It’s a cliche saying. Let go and let God. I’m not a big fan of cliche sayings, and so I don’t use it often. And yet, the past few days I have been thinking of that very saying constantly.
You see, there are some things worrying me. Things that I wont get into publicly, but are there nonetheless. A couple of times I have felt fear over things I am unable to control. Each time, the thought hits my heart again, let go and let God.
We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Things happen in our lives and we find ourselves battling the temptation to focus on what we cannot control. We worry. We wonder “what if?” And yet, it doesn’t change the circumstances.
Jesus was clear, “Don’t worry.” Actually, he goes into a more detail than just saying that. His words are found in Matthew 6. In that chapter, he speaks about how we view money. He teaches us how to pray. And then, he focuses on worry, starting at verse 25:
25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Let go of your worry. Let God care for you. Let go and let God.
You know what I’ve discovered? I only worry when I’m trying to lead my life. When I try to control where I’m going, worry creeps in. When I release control to God, I find my confidence in him.
It reminds me of a story I read once. It’s called The Bike Ride:
When I met Jesus, life became rather like a bike ride. It was a tandem bike; I rode in the front and steered, and Jesus was in the rear seat, helping to pedal.
I don’t remember just when it happened, but Jesus suggested we change places. Life hasn’t been the same since. Jesus makes the ride so exciting!
When I had control, I knew the way. It was safe and predictable, but rather boring–always the shortest distance between two points. But when Jesus got in the driver’s seat, He knew delightful “long cuts” up mountain roads and down again at breakneck speeds. It was all I could do to hold on!
I didn’t want to question His judgment, but once I couldn’t help myself. “Don’t You think we should slow down just a little? I’m scared.” He turned and smiled and touched my hand and said, “It’s okay. Pedal.”
Sometimes I got worried and anxious and asked, “Where are You taking me?”
“It’s a surprise,” He would say with a laugh. Gradually I learned to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered the adventure.
He took me to meet people with gifts that I needed–gifts of love, healing, acceptance, joy. They gave me their gifts to take on my journey–our journey, my Lord’s and mine–and we were off again. He said, “Give the gifts away.” So I did, to other people we met. But the strangest thing happened. I found that the more of those things I gave away, the more I had for myself and to give to other people we met along the way. And still our load was light.
At first I didn’t trust Jesus to be in control of my life. I thought He would wreck it. But He knows the bike’s capabilities and limits, and all sorts of tricks. He knows how to take sharp corners at high speeds, make the bike “jump” to clear rocks in our way, and He can even make it fly when the road disappears beneath us.
I am learning to not worry or want to get back in control, but just to relax and enjoy the view, the cool breeze on my face, and the delightful company of my constant companion, Jesus.
I still get tired sometimes because it is a long, hard ride, but Jesus just smiles and says, “Pedal.”
So, what about you? Are you letting go?
