As a mother of three daughters, whenever I hear the words ‘let go’ I feel a sudden urge to let my inner Elsa shine and break out into song. If you have never watched the movie Frozen then you don’t know what you are missing. There is something so freeing about letting go, both in life and in song. As we continue in this month’s flavor of the month, self-care, it’s important that before we start doing anything new, we have to learn to let go of some of the things that may be negatively affecting us.
We have all been through things in life that have left a mark and some scars that may still be healing. Experienced some things that may have been meant to break us. We had or have some people in our lives that may have only been there to do us harm. All of our situations are as unique as we are; yet one common thing remains. We are still here, we are still standing, and in order for us to move forward we have to learn to let go.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ had forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLT)
Letting Go Is A Lot Like Forgiving
By letting go of something that is negatively affecting you, you are actively doing something for yourself. You are getting rid of the emotional and sometimes physical baggage that is not doing you any good. Letting go of the bitterness, anger, and sometimes rage frees you.
This freedom you feel now allows you to focus on the things that are most important in your life and not the negative things that may be clouding your focus. Freedom allows you to focus on all the blessings that God has placed in your life. Letting go takes your eyes off the past and casts it on the future.
Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing…
Isaiah 43:18-19a (NKJV)
Letting Go Means Looking Ahead
One of my favorite things to do in the morning is to listen to the Steve Harvey Morning Show on the radio not only because he is hilarious, but because he is so inspirational. One of my favorite quotes of his is “You can’t drive a car looking in the rearview mirror.” I love this quote because it is not only true, it provides real-world context on Isaiah 43:18-19a.
We cannot dwell on the past, look in the rearview mirror, and see all the things God has in store for us now. We cannot see the new and exciting things in front of us while dwelling on the former things. So we have to let go of what was so we can enjoy what is and look forward to what will be.
Whether you need to let go of something that happened to you in the past, something that your husband may have said in the midst of a disagreement, or a relationship that is doing more harm than good, we all have something that we need to let go. God never promised that our lives would be free of storms, but He did promise that He would always be there with us and help us through them.
I’d love to hear about something you need to let go
and what new thing you see God springing up in your life in the comments!
Ayanna! I am speaking soon on the theme of ‘letting go’ and so this is pretty amazing timing. I believe we must let go in order to continually create movement forward. I love the analogy of looking in the rear view mirror!!! Thanks for sharing friend!
My post this week on my blog was about the exact same thing — letting go. It’s such a hard thing to do, but so, so important. It really is one of the only ways to move forward!
I really have been working hard on letting go of some hurts that have happened to me.
I have been going through something lately and this is so motivating and inspiration. love it
I’m so glad that this was able to speak to you, Susie. We all go through so much and are holding on to so many things. We all need some encouragement from time to time to know that with God we can make it through anything.
This is such a beautifully written piece! I agree; you cannot really fully move forward if you can’t let go of all the hatred and bitterness!
Belle
Thanks, Belle, and that is so true. Holding on to bitterness and hatred only hurts us and holds us back.
These are such wise words. Thank you for sharing your heart and the relevant verses that we can reference when we need them!
Thanks so much, Laura, for your kind words. Drawing closer to God is the best way to free ourselves of some of the things holding us back.
This is beautifully written! And the words are so true. Holding onto something in our past only hurts ourselves. Thanks for the reminder!
Thanks so much, Jessica. It is so easy for us to hold on to things that we shouldn’t. Letting go definitely allows us to also let go of some of the hurt and pain.
Thank you for sharing this Ayanna. It’s so true and I appreciate you basing your words in scripture! This particular part stuck out to me: “Freedom allows you to focus on all the blessings that God has placed in your life. Letting go takes our eyes off the past and casts it on the future.” Very powerful.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Jazz. And I’m so glad that this was able to speak to you in a real and powerful way. I’ve had to remind myself of that exact quote a few times already. ?
As I’m attempting to move forward with my future, I find myself fearing I won’t be successful because of past judgements other people have of me. Thank you for reminding me not to worry, because I have already prayed.
This is so true! When you let things go, you are from so many burdens that wants to hold you back. I am going to have to use the example of singing “Let It Go”..
What a great reminder! We all need this so much. There are hurt from past relationships that I didn’t realize I have held on to that I needed to let go and I recently have! It’s amazing the mental and emotional freedom that comes with that. It is truly only done with the Lord.
Awesome post, Ayanna! 🙂
Letting go is definitely a lot like forgiving! It’s such a free feeling when you let go and let GOD! 🙂
This is so good! It’s true it is kind of like unforgiveness. Why in our humanity do we make it so difficult to let it go even when we know it will be better when we do!?
Letting go is forgiving for myself. Truly letting go means it is gone, don’t think about it or bring it up again.
Wonderful post! Yes its important to understand that letting go helps you grow. Yes, that picture works on many levels . Yay !
Looks as though we are on the same wavelength at present. I’m in the process as you know of letting go of negativity (including negative thoughts and words of my own). A great reminder from you of the other types of things I need to let go of so that I can look forward.
It’s always great to know you are not alone when we go through things and trying to make positive changes in our lives, Brittany. I’m also working on the negative thoughts and words of my own. We can do this!
First off, I love coming across fellow Christian bloggers! Second, I really appreciate your heart behind wanting to help others let go of the painful stuff. So many times we think we deal with a particular issue but we didn’t really let it go. There are things that I’m currently working on letting go and its not easy but oh so worth it!!
Alyssa
You don’t even know how much I needed this today! My husband and i were just talking last night about some things I’m holding onto. I know i need to let go, but seeing it so beautifully put here is like a lightbulb moment. Thanks Ayanna!
This reminds me of a phrase my therapist friend says “don’t rent out mental space”. While we might be holding on to some wrong someone did to us, letting it fester and change us, that person probably doesn’t even remember! So in the end we are only hurting ourselves.
This is beautiful and a great reminder. The image of the beach is a perfect symbol because it’s so easy to let go as you stand next to one of God’s wonders. thanks for sharing.
The How-to Guru