By Lois Hewitt

What a week it’s been!  Stress.  Dumb mistakes.  Frustration.

Ever have a week like that?  I’m sure you’ve had more than one. Me too!

Last night I found myself up at 3 AM (per usual) worrying about everything.  Work.  Health.  Money.  Cars.  Weather. Those in need.  World issues.  My mind would not stop.

I am learning that when we get like that, we are expecting ourselves to come up with the solutions. We think we can fix everything. I don’t know about you, but most problems are way above my pay grade.

We have a “Boss” who is responsible for those problems.  All of them in fact.  And He does not need my help solving them.  His name is God and His Son, Jesus.  In His word to us, He promised to take our heavy yoke and give us His, which is lighter.

He promised to never leave or forsake us.  He promised there was a plan, even if we cannot see it.

I believe His words, yet I still worry. I still fret. That means that I do not really trust Him because I’m depending on my own strength to “help” Him out.

How silly is that?  The God and Son who created all things, who brought us from the beginning to where we are now cannot handle my problems. He is struggling to figure a way out.  I do not think so, so why am I worried?

Why do I let myself lose joy? Why do I put my health at risk for worry?  Why do I lose sleep?  Because I do not let go.  I hang onto the fears and worry because I have always done that.  Times are about to change.

You cannot possibly be full of joy and worry at the same time. You cannot be fearful and courageous at the same time.  We all have to choose how we are going to live.  Defeated or triumphant.  You cannot have both.

I have always carried myself a bit defeated.  Because I could not give up the worry.  It is like a heavy weight around our necks. It does no good but it certainly weighs us down.

My new mantra (although it’s not a new concept) is to let go and let God.  Whoever coined that really brought life into focus.

We need to let go of the strife, the anger, the unforgiveness, the dissappointment, the fear and the negativity. Let it go like the garbage it is. And let God.

An easy task?  Hardly.  Probably one of the hardest things a human can do.  Many of us grew up with fear and trauma.  We learned early on to expect the worse case scenario in every situation.  It is hard wired into our DNA.  Just letting go is not easy.

It starts with learning what God says about His protection and provisions. Reading His word is a must. I discounted the importance for many years and my life reaped nothing but disaster.

Then praying. Even if you can’t find the words, take meaningful time to be with God.  He knows your heart but you still need to be in His presence.

And purposefully drive out negative thoughts. Be careful what you fill your mind with. We may all doom scroll a bit too much.  I’m certainly guilty.  Those flashes and images are recorded in your mind. I’ve had times I could barely move after too much scrolling. Just be careful what you choose to watch and listen to.

Finally, watch your words. I always say what an idiot I am.  I may not necessarily mean it but I say it and that gives the words power. Be careful what you say and think.

My prayer as we end one year and start another is that we all let go and let God.  These are truly trying times we live in. So much to fear but God NEVER wanted that for His children. Let’s not accept that thinking any longer.

Let’s take back joy and peace.  Let’s be kind and gentle. Let’s enjoy no matter the circumstance. Let’s look to Almighty God to guide us past and around life’s snares. 

He loves His children. He sent His most beloved to die on a cross for our sins.  Let’s not discount that act but embrace it and live a victorious life.  That’s my wish for you and me too!

Stay strong and brave, my friend!