I struggle letting go. Sentimental to the core, I tend to grasp things tightly. After 34 years in the same home, our attic was jammed with life’s mementos. Some literally disintegrated when we tried to move them!
My children inherited my sentimentality. They each had a wooden treasure box filled with prized possessions. There’s not much value in old ticket stubs; contest medals; random keys; or a collection of colorful erasers. But those treasures were in safe keeping for a lot of years. My boys wouldn’t let them go.
Our children are true treasures, but we can’t keep them in a box. Holding on too tightly isn’t good. I knew a mom who did that. She never cut the apron strings and her son eventually became a lonely old man.
I understand how hard it is. When my kids were little, I wanted to hold their hand and follow them down the street. I would have liked to sit beside them in school. Ensuring their safety and wellbeing.
But that would have been weird and not at all beneficial. Hindering their growth and dependence on God. He’s the only One who truly has the power to keep.
I still struggle letting go, even as a mother of adult children. But let me share three truths that have helped me loosen my grip through the years.
1. The Lord “keeps” His covenant of love; He keeps His promises; and He keeps His children. Scripture assures us of the keeping power of our God. What stability that truth brings us!
I am positively persuaded that he is able to guard and keep
that which has been entrusted to me and which
I have committed to Him until that day. 2 Timothy 1:12
2. The Lord also “perfects” what I hand over. That means He makes things better. He accomplishes much more than I could on my own. When I let go it means I trust everything is safe with Him, so He can accomplish His better purposes. What confidence that truth brings us!
The Lord will perfect that which concerns me. Psalm 138:8
3. The Lord “watches” over my concerns as well. He sees everything! Worry is a form of control because we can’t see the future. By trying to figure things out on our own we leave God out of the equation. How much better is it to acknowledge the Lord in every situation we face. And commit everything and everyone to Him. What peace that truth brings us!
Let him have all your worries and cares,
for he is always thinking about you and watching
everything that concerns you. I Peter 5:7
Corrie ten Boom said to hold things loosely so it doesn’t hurt when the Lord pries your fingers loose. When we release our grip, we declare our trust in God. And that allow us to rest in His sovereign care.
The Lord is doing something greater with our concerns we could ever do on our own. He perfects what He keeps. He watches over our concerns.
He won’t lose or abuse what we entrust to Him. He keeps. He perfects. He watches.
For what more could a mother ask?