On Letting Go

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What does it really mean to let go? Let go, meaning to get over a hurt that would otherwise turn into something destructive. How does forgiving someone sound – say, in prayer form? To let go and let God is one of the reasons it is hard to be a Christian because the nature of the flesh is to take revenge and fight for one’s right which is the more popular option in the secular world since it seems reasonable and intelligent. However, the Bible tells us that, “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.” (Proverbs 14:12) Defending one’s self sometimes becomes Satan’s subtle tool to make the believer lose trust in God. It is the non-verbal articulation of the soul that God will not defend them, so they must do it themselves. Many times, the believer does not even know they have fallen into this pit simply because they have not really pondered upon the situation – and mostly, due to lack of insight that could have come from spending time in the Word. So one, instead operates on the secular principle of justice. However, if one claims to be a Bible-believing Christian, he or she will live out the Biblical truth that true justice can only come from God (“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.” – Romans 12:19). If the believer truly believes that there is a God who will one day judge everyone then he or she should be all set in terms of fighting back. It is better said than done, though. This is why when hurt and disappointed, we must turn to God first – not to Facebook, not to our friends, but to God.

“Lord, this hurt is too much for me to bear and I feel like defending myself. However, you are my ultimate defender and so I turn over this hurt to you. I forgive (the offender’s name) as an act of obedience to you. Give me wisdom on how to deal with him or her or the situation.”

To let go and choose forgiveness over revenge is like putting down all your weapons before God and allowing Him to fight for you (“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” – Psalms 20:7). It does not come from a place of insecurity or self-pity, but from a fervent faith in His command (“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” – Luke 6:36).  

Most importantly, one must come from the place of an intimate relationship with God, from the belief that even though everything else is failing, it is well with one’s soul.

Let go. Let God.