Sunday, December 27, 2009
Giving Up
There's an important difference between giving up and letting go. ~ Jessica Hatchigan
Scripture:
No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:13-14 (New Living Translation)
As we prepare to leave one year and enter into the next, it is not unusual to hear people talking making New Year’s resolutions and about giving something up. Giving up implies that you are letting go of something that you really don’t want to. The oxford dictionary describes giving up as admitting defeat.
The above quote caught my interest because I never really thought about the term “giving up.” As I contemplated these words, I realized that I never really considered that in giving something up, I would be admitting failure. I would rather like to think that in giving something up, I am saying that is has no more relevance in my life.
As I played with these words I realized that there was more power in stating that I am letting go rather than giving up. “I am letting go of those bad habits, bad relationships, unhealthy lifestyles, toxic friendships, etc.” These words sound so much more powerful. To me, letting go simply means that I am willingly releasing those things in my life that are not good for me. Letting go means that in opening my arms and my life and allowing those things that I have so venomously held onto to fall away, I can now be open to receive something new and better.
The word of God states that when we let go of those things in our past that have held us back and press on to a higher calling in Christ Jesus, there is a heavenly prize that awaits us; our heavenly Father.
So today my brothers and sisters, I challenge you not to give up but rather to let go.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul. Father, when I pause to reflect on the words to this song, I am reminded, that no matter what comes my way, as long as I trust and depend on You, it is well with my soul. When situations around me become too much to bear, I must stop and say; It is well with my soul. It is well because, You are still in control. It is well, because as long as I lean and trust in Your word, all things are possible. I am the head and not the tail. I am above and not below. I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me. Thank You Father for daily reminders that teach me to be still and listen to Your still small voice. Thank You Lord, for all of my blessings. Thank You, for new beginnings. But most of all, thank You for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Scripture:
No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:13-14 (New Living Translation)
As we prepare to leave one year and enter into the next, it is not unusual to hear people talking making New Year’s resolutions and about giving something up. Giving up implies that you are letting go of something that you really don’t want to. The oxford dictionary describes giving up as admitting defeat.
The above quote caught my interest because I never really thought about the term “giving up.” As I contemplated these words, I realized that I never really considered that in giving something up, I would be admitting failure. I would rather like to think that in giving something up, I am saying that is has no more relevance in my life.
As I played with these words I realized that there was more power in stating that I am letting go rather than giving up. “I am letting go of those bad habits, bad relationships, unhealthy lifestyles, toxic friendships, etc.” These words sound so much more powerful. To me, letting go simply means that I am willingly releasing those things in my life that are not good for me. Letting go means that in opening my arms and my life and allowing those things that I have so venomously held onto to fall away, I can now be open to receive something new and better.
The word of God states that when we let go of those things in our past that have held us back and press on to a higher calling in Christ Jesus, there is a heavenly prize that awaits us; our heavenly Father.
So today my brothers and sisters, I challenge you not to give up but rather to let go.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul. Father, when I pause to reflect on the words to this song, I am reminded, that no matter what comes my way, as long as I trust and depend on You, it is well with my soul. When situations around me become too much to bear, I must stop and say; It is well with my soul. It is well because, You are still in control. It is well, because as long as I lean and trust in Your word, all things are possible. I am the head and not the tail. I am above and not below. I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me. Thank You Father for daily reminders that teach me to be still and listen to Your still small voice. Thank You Lord, for all of my blessings. Thank You, for new beginnings. But most of all, thank You for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
