From day 14...Let Go and Hold On

The Lord has led me to some difficult decisions about a friendship I have needed to release to Him for some time. I have often been treated badly within the context of this relationship, but I've always clung tightly out of my own need for connectivity. But we are to turn to the Lord ahead of all others to meet our needs; God really does want to be our all-in-all.  Sometimes our tendency is to turn to other people ahead of the Lord.  Perhaps this happens because of what they represent to us (a parent is "supposed" to make everything all right), because we share history, or because they are sympathetic listeners and, since they are merely human, we feel free to disregard their advice (not so with the Lord).

From day 14:  Memories of painful experiences from the past can continue to wield power over current behaviors, fears, and dreams. Here is deception-busting truth:  Jesus, by taking our sins and sorrows upon Himself, severed bonds to the past that otherwise would have crippling power to influence us for the remainder of our lives. This is what it means to have our sins removed as far as the east is from the west.

Releasing what is familiar is frightening, but when we obey the Lord to move forward in complete reliance on Him, we can be assured that He is the friend who will never ignore, patronize, or abuse us. He may provide discipline, and there's the rub!  But the one who is disciplined by the Lord is blessed; He corrects those He loves (Hebrews 12:6).

Cast "all your care;" personal cares, family cares, cares for the present, and cares for the future, for yourselves, for others, for the church, on God. These are burdensome, and often very sinful, when they arise from unbelief and distrust, when they torture and distract the mind, unfit us for duties, and hinder our delight in the service of God. The remedy is, to cast our care upon God, and leave every event to his wise and gracious disposal.  --Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on 1 Peter 5

…one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,  I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 

--Philippians 3:13-14  NKJV