Bridget A. Thomas
Every day is a gift!
Learning to Let Go
Entering into a new year fills us with hope. We think about the things we want to accomplish in our lives, dreams that are in our hearts, or goals we want to work towards. Often times we look at what we can add to our lives, such as exercising more or learning something new. But we can also approach it from another aspect by analyzing what we might let go of.
A few weeks ago I was reading from If We Could Have Coffee which is a devotional by Holley Gerth. I highlighted something that spoke to me. She said, “…life is not meant to be so full of burdens that you can’t enjoy what your heavenly Father wants to give you. When your arms and heart and life are so full, how can you receive from him? Let some of it go. Just lay it down.” (I love this devotional, by the way. Each entry is short, yet full of meaning. It has helped me to draw closer to God and remember how much He loves His children.)
The next day I read a blog post by Caralyn Collar, over at Beauty Beyond Bones. She said something that also jumped out at me. In her post The Liberation of Less, Caralyn talked about one weekend when her mom was visiting her and they tackled the daunting task of cleaning closets. (As a wannabe minimalist, this post immediately pulled me in!) But the line that really jumped out at me was this, “If we’re clenching our fists around things of the past, either out of fear or another unhealthy attachment, it prevents us from living with hands open to receiving what God has to give us.” (And by the way, this blog is one that I always get insight out of. Caralyn has a true gift with words, as she discusses an array of meaningful topics. Best of all, she stands up for TRUTH in our wayward world.)
This was one of those times when I felt that the Lord was nudging me. These two quotes spoke to me and reminded me that we need to let things go in order to receive what God has in store for us.
Letting go will look differently for each of us. And in the changing seasons of our own lives, letting go will have different facets as well. So it’s important to approach this prayerfully. Ask God to reveal to you what you might need to let go of.
Are you clinging too tightly to having control over certain things?
Are you holding onto pride or perfectionism?
Are there any idols in your heart that need to go?
Is your past a roadblock in your life?
Do you hang onto worries instead of handing them to God?
These are just some examples. There are so many things that we might hold onto a bit too tightly. But as noted in the two quotes above, if our hands are wrapped around the wrong things, we can’t grab hold of the things that God wants to hand us. He always has the best in store for us. I hope you will join me and prayerfully seek God’s guidance on anything that you might need to let go of in your life.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1
© 2022 Bridget A. Thomas
Bridget A. Thomas 
I also enjoy Caralyn’s blog and recommend it highly. She is so genuine in her writing, much like yourself, Bridget.😊
It’s interesting. This new year I also felt compelled to let some things go, rather than make a regular old resolution to add something. I’m not sure yet what I’m downsizing, but it is a matter of prayerful contemplation. Is there room in my life, finances, relationships, and possessions for God to work?
Great post! Blessings.
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts, David! In our society we tend to “crowd” our lives and minds with more and more. I am learning to slow down and remove the chaos. I think the more “noise” we have in our minds, the less we can hear the voice of God. And the more we “do” the less opportunity we have to “be still.” As you pointed out, it takes prayer to see what it is that God wants us to let go of. I am glad to know this post resonated with you. Sometimes I don’t know if my words make sense to others. So thank you for letting me know that they did. And I also love when God nudges fellow believers about the same thoughts. This shows me that He is on the move! 🙌 Blessings to you as well, my brother in Christ! 🤗
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Your thoughts are always concise and biblically “spot on,” Bridget. Keep them coming!
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I love Ecclesiastes 3, and this is the second time it’s popped up for me in the last few days. There is a time for everything, and a season for letting go.
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I love when certain verses or words keep popping up. It often means Lord is speaking… There are some seasons we might not want to go through. But as you said, there is a time for everything. I pray we can stay in tune with the Lord and accept the seasons He brings us through, even when it means letting go of things. Thank you for commenting, Crystal! 😊
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I really like what you said here Bridget. We do tend to add things with the new year but to let go so that we can take a hold of that which God intends for us is truly something that we should all consider. And as you said with prayer contemplation.
There is indeed a season for everything and if God is judging us towards letting go of something, may we be still enough to be listen to His voice and promptings.
Blessings my friend 😊🌺
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What you said about being still is definitely key. At least that is what I found to be true for me. I need to create space for God to move in my life and space for Him to speak to me. It reminds me of your last post. We need to let go of the distractions, and sit at Jesus’ feet. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Blessings to you too, dear friend! ♥️🤗
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Great topic. Inspiring approach. Thank you Bridget.
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Thank you very much, Michael! I am glad you got insight out of the post. 😊
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Both of those quotes are so powerful!! I have a lot of things I have trouble letting go of. I know I need to, but it can be so hard to let go sometimes!
P.S. I think I need that devotional!
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I know what you mean. It can be very difficult to let go of so many things. Clinging to God and praying about it are helpful. Sadly some things we might have to pray about over and over. But He doesn’t give up on us! 🙌 Yes, I really think you will love the devotional!!! It is easily one of my favorites! ♥️
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Love this!! And love that it’s a reminder to let go of emotional bagging and also physical too…earthly materials break down, clutter, and cause distraction etc..not a part of healthy living just the same as emotional bagging isn’t either!
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So very true! I have heard that physical clutter does affect us mentally. And emotional clutter as well. I pray we can learn to let go and live a simple life. This allows more room for the Lord to work! Thank you, Alicia! I hope you are doing well!
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A bit exhausted from the radiation (plus a cold) and probably not resting enough!!😬
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I’m sorry. Praying you feel better soon. ❤️🩹🙏
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