Let go and let God. I know it’s a saying that can be overused. But, it’s a pretty important thing to remember. If we truly have faith and believe that God’s got this and He is in control, then why would we need to hang on? If we do it for show, and just say that God is in control, but try to be a puppet master behind the scenes, then that’s really all it is – a show. Deep down we know it definitely wasn’t us.
We aren’t strong enough, or – let’s face it – smart enough to solve problems the way God can. Way too many times I find myself getting in God’s way trying to control and guide a situation. I wonder how many times my trying and my attempt at controlling something actually causes more work for God in the end… (If you have kids, you know how that one usually turns out.)
How frustrated should God be with me? I can just see Him shaking His head, with a sort of half-smile and a bit of sadness in His eyes, because this was supposed to be the time I actually submitted…
If I were Him, I would have put me in a time-out years ago… I thank Him every day for His patience.
Turns out, I have a really hard time letting go.
Control this…
I did a search on my website and found that I had used the word, “control,” in 13 posts. At first, I didn’t think it was that bad, but then I did the math – that’s 28.9% of my posts. Just shy of a third. That means that every one out of three times I sit down to write, I am struggling with giving up control. How convicting is that?
What’s more, is every time I write about it, I honestly think I am gaining on the topic. So, just how controlling was I when I started?!? (Sorry, Brad..)
So, what does all this mean?
Control is a huge part of my sinful nature. It is really ingrained in there. But, that doesn’t mean it needs to stay. I know the Holy Spirit has been working and will continue to work on me and help me let go…
Fruits of the Spirit
Once I was baptized, the Holy Spirit got a pretty hefty assignment – help me change my ways and live according to God’s will. And, once the Holy Spirit comes into the picture, some amazing things can start to happen.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
Unfortunately, I think most people (me included) tend to just pick out those two verses and don’t read the entire passage.
Yes, the fruits of the Spirit are wonderful. Who couldn’t benefit from help with any and all of them? And, the Holy Spirit is a way more powerful ally than I have ever given him credit for. He really can help us in the areas we struggle most.
But there’s a catch. And, it’s not talked about as much as the fruits…
Let go…
He absolutely can help us – but we have to let him.
So, I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of your sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. …Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:16-17, 24-25
To me, those verses mean – LET GO.
How on earth could I live by the Spirit if I was still trying to control everything? I definitely would not ask for help or allow myself to be led by the Spirit if I kept relying on my own sinful nature.
And, there is no way to keep in step with the Spirit if we are following our own path.
In fact, by ignoring the Spirit and just continuing to do our own thing, we upset him. I hadn’t really thought this was possible, but after reading, The New Christian’s Field Guide, I realized it was. The Holy Spirit is part of God. If we ignore the Spirit, we are ignoring God. Which, sadly, isn’t all that new.
In a chapter dealing with the Holy Spirit, one section was about grieving him. The author suggested that,
We grieve him by beginning our day without turning it over to God in prayer. We grieve him by worrying and being anxious and taking that out on the people around us. The Bible teaches that the Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy. If that is what the Holy Spirit is offering, why would we ignore him? – The New Christian’s Field Guide p. 11
What I learned and am still learning…
For some reason, because the Holy Spirit is now living in me, it feels different somehow. It feels closer and more personal. More real. So, when I upset the Spirit, I am upsetting not only this part of God – as it truly is His Spirit – but also the Spirit as the closest friend I could ever imagine.
I see the Holy Spirit as one who only wants the best for me and never wants me to get hurt. He is like a friend who is always rooting for me and encouraging me to do what is right and gives me the strength to do it.
And, if he really knows best and is the perfect guide, why would I ever choose to take a different route?
I know, it really doesn’t make sense.
Your thoughts?
What do you think? How do you let go and give control to God and let the Holy Spirit guide you? I would love to hear what verses you have found to help you in your journey. I can’t wait to hear from all of you!
