Hold on or let it go?

"Just hold on. Hang in there."

"Just let it go."

I often hear both. Hold on. Let it go. I've clung to both statements.

Hold on- Hang in there. Keep going. You can do this. Times are rough now, but just hold on. It'll be ok.

Let it go- Just relax. No big deal. There are bigger things in life. Just let it go.

Just today I was listening to a song called "Let It Go" by Tenth Avenue North. It goes something like this:

"But you say let it go
You say let it go
You say life is waiting for the one's who lose control
You say You will be everything I need
You say if I lose my life it's then I'll find my soul
You say let it go"

 I started listening to the lyrics. As they began to sink in, I realized I've been being told two different things: Hold on and let it go. Woah, wait what? Those are polar opposites. Hm. Let me think about this. When I'm struggling, I often tell myself to just hold on. I looked back on the past few months and I've been holding on for dear life. The beginning of "Let it go" describes that:

"I've been holding on so tight
Look at these knuckles they've gone white
From fighting for who I want to be
I'm just trying to find security"

 I've been fighting to just hold on. Hang in there. Stay sane. It's gonna be ok. I've been searching for comfort, security, and love. So the song talks says "You say let it go." God is telling us to let go? Well God doesn't understand. Let it go? I can't let go. That's giving up...I don't understand. I can't let go; I've been struggling for so long to just hold on. If I let go, I'll lose my way; I'll be lost once again.

I was quite for a few moments...

Ah. I think I understand...We are supposed to let it go. Not it as in everything you've worked for or your relationship with Jesus. Not it as in life.

Let it go. It as in sin. worries. struggles. mistakes. problems. messes. screw ups. Let go of it.

Let all your sins, worries, struggles, mistakes, problems, messes, and screw ups and hold on to Jesus. God is telling us to let go, but we have to let him finish what He's saying. He is telling us to let go, but hold on to Jesus. Cling to the cross for hope. At the cross is where we are forgiven, embraced, washed clean of our sins and struggles. At the cross is where we find love, compassion, and mercy. At the cross is where we find our savior with arms open wide. 

I've been holding on to everything. The good and the bad.  I was really convicted by a sermon on Sunday. I realized all I need to do is turn around, fall on my knees and ask God for mercy. He is standing, waiting for me, and will have compassion and mercy on me. I need to let it go and let God. He is bigger than anything in this world. I give up. I'm too small. I'm laying it all at the cross.


All my sins- God says "My son's blood washes you clean. You are forgiven."

I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you. (Isaiah 44:22)

All my worries- God says "I will take your anxiety because I care for you.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

All my struggles- God says "Be patient. I will restore you. I will make you strong."

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. (1 Peter 5:10) 

All my mistakes-Jesus stands up and says to his father "I take the blame. She is innocent." 

Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. (Isaiah 1:18)

All my problems- God says "It's okay. Come to me. I will help."

For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. (Isaiah 41:13)

All my messes- God says "Come to me. You will find rest."

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

All my screw ups- God says "It's okay. I love you."

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

It's okay. Jesus is enough. Run to the cross where you'll be embraced with love, mercy, and compassion. Let go of all your sins, worries, struggles, mistakes, problems, messes and screw ups. Hold on to that hope. Hold on to Jesus.

Let it go and hold on.