What it means:
We have concerns and worries in life – this is a constant.
Perhaps there are days when we have trouble sleeping at night because our minds are racing with all of the things that still need to be done at work. We can often face anxiety attacks and troubles with our health if we allow these stresses and worries to consume us.
Jesus talked about worry –
“For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25)
This is how we are to let go and let God – We have to be able to release the stress, the strain, the fear and worry. It is one thing to say “I’m going to give it to God” and a completely different thing to ACTUALLY give it to Him. We clutch these fears and worry ever so tightly and we rarely relinquish it because we are afraid to admit we don’t have the strength and we need help.
When we finally admit to ourselves that we have been holding back on giving God all of our cares and burdens (1 Peter 5:7) we can then allow His Holy Presence into these deep recesses of our pride and heart. It will hurt. It will pain us to do so, but within this deep communion with Him we will begin to alleviate our worry and fear. He is more than willing to take from us these burdens and fears.
What It Doesn’t Mean
Do not use this phrase as a crutch.
One could say “well, I’ve given it over to God so I do not have any more responsibilities to take care of” – Nothing could be further from the truth. We have this wonderful thing called “free will” which allows us to take control of our lives and make decisions. We have a responsibility within our faith walk. We either make good decisions or poor decisions. Saying “Let Go and Let God” shouldn’t be a catch-all phrase for slacking in our relationship to Him.
It also doesn’t mean that life will suddenly become easier and these worries and problems will disappear. We can relinquished our stranglehold on burdens, but they will still occur. It seems like a contradiction but in truth we face them with a Higher perspective and within the lenses of His Kingdom. “And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace”
Let Go And Let God?
In the right context – Yes.
But remember He longs to journey beside us. He longs for our fellowship each day. Allow Him access to your heart, to your life and His presence will provide the salve that you need in the midst of the storms you are facing right now.
Something more to ponder today!
To God be the glory!