Release (transitive verb): to set free from restraint, confinement, or servitude; to relieve from something that confines, burdens, or oppresses
The beautiful colors of a Minnesota fall surround me. I love the vibrant display of nature in October! This is my favorite season. Every year, however, I find myself disappointed at how quickly the colors disappear as the leaves fall from their branches, litter the ground, and turn to bits of brown across the lawn. I am tempted to whisper gently to each tree: “Hang on a little longer.” But then I realize that the trees, and God, know best.
What is it that they know?
They know that in order to make way for new growth, the dying leaves must be let go. Must be released.
This is powerful imagery: rather than thinking of the leaves “falling” from the trees, I perceive that the trees are releasing their leaves. The act of release is intentional, it has a purpose, it is a precursor to something else. Something better. That imagining leads me down a path of reflection.
What do I need to release from my life?
Scripture provides some of the answer:
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Ephesians 4:31
Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34
Reading these verses, I am motivated to think about releasing….
- the things weighing me down: burdens, shame, guilt
- the things holding me back: fear, worry, regret
- the things poisoning my soul: anger, bitterness, unforgiveness
God wants me to be released from these shackles and chains. He wants to help me do it too.
I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will … open eyes that are blind, free captives from prison and release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. Isaiah 42: 6-7
As I release the stuff weighing me down, holding me back, poisoning my soul, I intentionally prepare room for God to put new thoughts in my mind and a new song in my heart.
This research into the word RELEASE reminded me of a poem I heard once, so I tracked it down to share here:
Broken Dreams
As children bring their broken toys
With tears for us to mend,
I brought my broken dreams to God
Because He was my friend.
But then instead of leaving Him
In peace to work alone,
I hung around and tried to help
With ways that were my own.
At last I snatched them back and cried,
“How could you be so slow”
“My child,” He said, “What could I do?
You never did let go.”
-Author Unknown
Release is necessary in order for God to restore, repair, and renew me. Only through release does my hand become open to receive.
Two verses in Isaiah explain it this way:
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? Isaiah 43:18-19
First, let go.
Second, be ready for something new….
…to be continued in the next post on the word Renew.