"He says to let go!"

"But how do you know something bad won't happen!?"

"I don't...!"

I was watching Nemo a few weekends ago with a whole bunch of kids. Even in the middle of all the noise of eating breakfast while the movie was on, I still got emotional at that line.

What do I need to let go of? Is it something sinister, disturbing the leadership of the Spirit within me? As it says in Job 20: 12-14;

"Though evil is sweet in his mouth
and he hides it under his tongue,
though he cannot bear to let it go
and keeps it in his mouth,
yet his food will turn sour in his stomach;
it will become the venom of serpents within him."

Evil is such a terrible word; yet is not all that I do that opposes what pleases the LORD, evil in His sight?

I'm reminded of the wealthy young man who came before Jesus asking what he must do to enter into the Kingdom in Mark 10. He had so much that was in the way; as well as attempting to be 'good' enough all on his own. How often do I put 'things' in the way of Jesus; of experiencing Him. Jesus said to the man to give it all up and follow Him. He couldn't; can I? Can I be obedient to what Jesus asks of me? The young man went away sad because he couldn't obey. I used to look at that story and only see that he couldn't walk away from his wealth; but to give it all up - to let go - required the man's obedience. I must obey to experience the Kingdom; Jesus alive in me.

The Kingdom is Jesus alive in me, alive in you. Can I experience the healing wholeness of that while here on earth? Jesus said;

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may
have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10

Abundant life began in me when I let go and let Jesus. It is renewed or reinforced whenever I obey and follow in the footsteps of Christ; allowing myself to be saved from the slavery to sin and set free in obedience to Jesus.

"Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
Matthew 6:10

Which means God's will is to be on earth too; I don't have to wait for eternity! I sell myself short to pray for less or to expect less or be satisfied with less. But what does that abundance look like? I don't think we have any clue. My eyes need to be washed clean to see it as Jesus wants me to. His Kingdom is not run by my rules or perceptions.

That brings me to learning to conform my will to that of Christ's.
Romans 12:2
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

What tremendous obedience that requires! My mind is so easily swayed to believe worldly knowledge and common sense. Yet God's will is good, acceptable, and perfect. I must learn to trust that and do that which may seem completely crazy without the eyes of the Holy Spirit; that which may seem impossible and hard without the supernatural power of Jesus; and that which is for God's glory and not my own.

Back to Nemo - when 'Dorie' said that she didn't know if something bad would happen, she still let go. I am securely in the hand of my God, my Father God. I can let go of anything and it will be OK. That is the joy that is in Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:9-10
For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.

That is a promise that I can rest in. And so I cry... because I am seeing how I must let go...

of my own opinion.