Stop, Drop and WorshipSample

Releasing and Receiving

In order to live from a place of peace, joy and a quiet resolve in His purposes, one has to release feelings and emotions that simply don’t line up with HIS truth. I am not saying that our emotions are not real. I am not saying that they are not founded. I am saying that we need to consider if they serve us well. Our emotions are real, but they are actually indicators of other issues. Often times, our emotions absolutely do not line up with the truth of God’s word. I am confused and challenged by that thought, so, I ask why? You should too! Is there a lie that we are believing to be true? Likely so.

I simply do not have enough emotional margin in my life to waste my precious and limited energy on thoughts and feelings that do not add value to my day. We must know the truth of our identity as believers and then walk in that place. Let’s not forfeit our Christian privilege to do so. Let’s tap into His power and purpose over our emotions.

In recent years, I have started a new practice. Each morning, before I get out of bed, I open my hands with palms up. I decided then and there, BEFORE I even get out of bed, to give God control of my day, you know…”not my will but Thine be done.” I RELEASE things like control, anxiety, fear, doubt, depression, unforgiveness and I RECEIVE things like peace, hope, patience, joy and trust. I even choose ahead of time to forgive people that may hurt or offend me that day as I “ain’t got no time for such.” It is too exhausting to be offended. My life and my purposes are thwarted by this giant waste of time.

What I choose to release are actually feelings that disempower me. I choose to receive the options that empower me. Is it really this easy? No! I find that I have to repeat this beautiful life-giving process all day long. Open hands! I have to constantly be aware of my moment-by-moment choice to walk in life-giving truths versus alternatives like depression, anxiety and victimization. Open hands!

Each day is full of choices. Some are life-sucking. Some are life-giving. Let’s continue to ask ourselves “Who is in charge of me?” Then take a holy action of obedience to receive all that He has in store for us.

Open your hands. Let go. Receive. Worship the King of peace.