Reminders for LifeSample

The Power of Letting Go

Sometimes it’s hard to let go of things. Whether it’s a relationship, a sentimental keepsake, or a hobby of ours, we may struggle to let go—even if we know it’s not good for us or we feel like God may want us to lay it down. 

What would Achan, an Israelite in the time of Joshua, tell you? Just give it to God; it’s not worth it. 

God was giving the Israelites the land that He had promised them. With Joshua leading them, the Israelites were given victory after victory as they went from city to city. 

When God sent them into battle with Ai, in Joshua 7, do you know what happened? The Israelites ended up running from the battle in fear—all because of the disobedience of Achan. 

God had very specific instructions for the Israelites. God told them that some things shouldn’t be taken from the cities that they defeated because some things were devoted things meant for God. Achan apparently took some. 

When he was discovered, he said, “… I wanted them so much that I took them. They are hidden in the ground beneath my tent, with the silver buried deeper than the rest.” Joshua 7:21 NLT 

What’s hidden in your heart? 

What you allow in your heart is more important than you realize. Scriptures tell us to guard our heart, to hide the Word in our heart, and to let God sit on the throne of our heart. We are also naturally selective about who we allow ourselves to love and to let in. But what happens when we let idols and things not of God rule our heart? 

God told Joshua: “You will never defeat your enemies until you remove these things from among you.” Joshua 7:13 NLT

What do you need to remove from your life in order to do and accomplish what God has called you to do? 

Maybe you need to let go of pride, envy, or lust. It may not be even be a sin. Maybe you need to let go of social media, your PlayStation or Xbox, or your own plans. Whatever it is that you need to let go of, it’s not worth holding on to something that’s holding you back. 

What do you need to let go of? 

Pray: God, I have been holding onto ____ for a while. I buried it in my heart, but I want to unearth it and let it go. I know You have a plan and a purpose for me, and like Paul said, I want to strip off any weights that keep me from running the race you’ve set before me. Thank You for your grace and Your mercy. In Jesus’ name, amen.