Letting It Go

I used to replay certain moments over and over. The times someone hurt me, ignored me, silenced me, or made choices that made me feel invisible. Sometimes I would carry those moments for hours, sometimes for days. There was a time when I held on to the weight of what people did or didn’t do, and honestly, there are still times when I do.

I would question why things had to be this way. What could I have done differently, or what can I do differently now? Sometimes I spoke up, hoping it would change something. Other times, I stayed silent but still carried the disappointment or hurt with me.

But over time, God has began to teach me something simple yet powerful lately. Holding on to that hurt only weighs me down. Speaking out doesn’t bring resolution either, it only causes more hurts with others and myself.  And so often the other person didn’t see the situation the way I did. They weren’t affected like I was. I was the one left feeling discouraged, upset frustrated, or hurt.

I have realized I don’t have to let disappointments and hurts take over my peace. I don’t have to dwell on it. I can let it go and give it all to God.

Some disappointments feel especially personal. Hopes that fall through. People who don’t show up. Moments we long for that never seem to come. These can hurt deeply especially when they involve people we love. But God reminds me again and again that I don’t have to carry the pain I can hand it over all to Him.

When these feeling rise up anymore I am making different choices.  I don’t respond to the person, even though a part of me wants too.  I am trying not to replay the situation over and over in my head. I turn on my worship music and lift my heart and mind in praise. I talk to God and let Him do what only He can do, bring me peace!

And peace comes, the situation may not change. The memory may still be there. But the weight lifts. The pain loses its power, my mind clears, and my heart softens. The disappointment becomes just that, a moment not a place I live in.

Philippians 4:6-7 reminds me
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

That peace is real.  I know now that I can’t control people or outcomes, but I can choose where I place my focus. I can choose peace over overthinking,  praise over discouragement and faith over frustration.

Isaiah 26:3 says:
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Maybe today like I have many times  you are carrying a quiet disappointment or hurt.  Maybe someone’s actions or their silence has  left you hurting. Maybe it’s something you were looking forward to that just didn’t happen. You’re not alone, God sees and he knows. And He’s ready to carry that weight for you.

Let it go and give it to Go, turn up the worship.  We were not created to carry it all. We were created to worship through it all.

Let us let it go, give it to God and keep on praising.