By: Elizabeth Haarberg

Hand it All Over

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

I have a tendency to hold onto things tightly at times and not realize I’m squeezing the life out of them. It may take me days or weeks to figure out that I’m white knuckling areas of life. When I finally realize I’m holding too tightly to something, I release it to God so God can figure out what to do with the issue.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30 English Standard Version

Jesus wants to remove anything that is weighing us down such as work, family, marriage, and sickness to name a few. When we release the heaviness we’ve been carrying to Jesus, not only do we feel lighter, but now we’ve invited the most powerful agent in the universe to be involved. After we release, there’s no telling what will happen next in our life and situation.

Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.
Psalm 55:22 ESV

Just open your hand and give it to God. If you need help passing it to Jesus, ask someone to pray for you. We know that prayer is powerful and especially when many gather together.

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. Matthew 18:20 ESV

If it’s difficult for you to surrender, try lying down somewhere flat, like a floor, bed or couch and begin a conversation with God. Lying flat and relaxing my body has worked in the past when I have a hard time releasing things to God. Find your own way to surrender, try different ways that might work uniquely for you. The biggest hurdle in surrendering is beginning.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado