I watched a video called "The Land Between", a message presented by Jeff Manion. It was such a powerful and thought provoking message, however there was one phrase he used that impacted me the most and made me so aware of how essential it is in our Christian lives. The catchphrase was "Release and Receive."
When we give all we have to God, we can receive all He has to give! As I experience a day with abounding disappointment, annoyance, anxiety, heartbreak...or just distraction (!), I need to open my hands and leave them open to receive! God wants me to experience all that so that I will trust Him; trust Him enough to listen to Him and go His way. He is so much bigger than all of my anxieties put together. Why is it so natural for me to cling to worries and distractions rather than pausing and waiting for God to take charge and lead and direct me?
"Cast your cares upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall." (Psalm 55:22)
Sometimes there are twists and turns in the path we travel down, and we need the light of God to walk down that path with faith and assurance. Often the truth is that for many Christians, even though we belong to God through faith in Christ, we still seem to experience doubt and confusion when releasing our cares and concerns to Him and receiving His outstretched hand. But it's really not hard at all, because He is able and willing to take them all! It happens to me all the time; I get caught up in worrying about someone or something and try to figure out a reason or solution before I open His word and my heart to prayer. But once I have entered the end of my path and release it all to God, I experience a feeling of peace and acceptance that completely washes over me and lights my way. What joy! What relief! What took me so long?
"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this; He will make your righteousness shine like dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." (Psalm 37:4-6)
I know that God wants me to release everything to Him and trust in Him to provide. I need to pause and wait for His response and let Him take charge of my concerns. It's all in His hands. :)
Linking up with “The Beauty in His Grip” today and “Sharing His Beauty”
Denise,
ReplyDeleteI read that book, The Land Between, it is a great resource for anyone who in the midst of a storm. I love this because I experience all those things, fear, doubt, worry, I am going to keep this post handy, to read as a reminder than when I start to feel those things to turn it all over to Him. Fabulous writing Denise.
Blessings to you.
Hi Denise - I love that phrase "When we give all we have to God, we can receive all He has to give!" So profound and so true! Its also so true that when we eventually let go and let God, there is peace and release. Great post my friend
ReplyDeleteGod bless and hugs to you!
Tracy
So true, Denise! So often we worry and try to figure things out before we open God's word and pray. But, when we finally come to Him and truly release our concerns He fills us with such peace! Thanks for sharing...and thanks for linking up today!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joan
Love your title, release and receive. POWERFUL!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Denise! What a beautiful post and it comes to me at a time that I needed to hear that reminder. We are in the middle of a lot of transition right now at our house. My husband suddenly was offered a promotion at work but it happened to be a 3rd shift position and the transition is hard on both of us. Then a major plumbing leak happened and we are in the middle of starting a huge kitchen remodel (insurance blessing though) and everything around me seems in disarray at the moment. Gonna make it through, I have no doubt, but I want to enjoy the journey and that is where the "release and recieve" comes in. I want to be ready to recieve all he has to give, no matter what the circumstance I find myself.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for always being an encouragement Denise.
♥Lee Ann
Hello Denise,
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post, worry is a big one for me. Thank you also for your visit and congrats on my coming wedding. Have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving,
Ken
Denise, thank you for your biblical blog. Isaiah 41:10 is so wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post, Denise. I will be contemplating and practicing this during my break. As you know, I, too, get caught up in the worries and "whatifs". I definitely need to practice the "Release and Receive" concept. It will help during this current process in my life.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your sweet note,
Blessings,
Janis
Denise, The Lord surely led me to your blog tonight......I really needed to hear your words as I have allowed circumstances to rob me of my joy that God provides to us so freely....
ReplyDelete"Release and Receive" I love it....short and sweet and oh so true....Thank you so much for your encouragement......
Hugs and blessings,
Nancy