Let go and let God

“He renews my strength…” Psalm 23:3a NLT
Tears dripped on the waterlogged carpet. My anxiety increased with every squishy step —a looming layoff, overextended commitments, wacked out hormones—and now this.
   There, under the paint was a tennis-ball-sized bulge where the spring snowmelt had trickled beneath the roof shingles through the rafters to behind our bedroom wall. I stood on the wet rug with hands lifted up.
   “I can’t handle anymore.”

   Then came the trip, a rare opportunity for me to travel with my husband. I saw it as disruption, not answer to prayer. Nevertheless, God overturned all my excuses and shoved me into the car.
   The first two days in the hotel, I fretted. Finally, I let go, let God, and snuggled up with a blanket and my Bible. “The LORD is my Shepherd, I have all that I need.” I sensed the Shepherd holding me.
   “Lie down in the green pastures,” He whispered. At home, I saw no way around my troubles, but now I saw how God had raised up unexpected volunteers to fill my commitments and someone to care for my cat.
   He drew me closer. “Rest beside the peaceful waters.” Instead of the ruins of our home, I recalled driving passed deer munching lush grass beside the streams. The Shepherd caressed my hand. “Let me renew your strength and guide you along the right paths.”
   The worries of my husband’s layoff eased. “Even though you walk through this dark valley, don’t be afraid; I am with you. Let me protect and comfort you.” He motioned to the chair by the window. “Come; sit at the banquet table filled with My goodness and unfailing love."
   The warm sunshine anointed my soul and my tears overflowed the cup set before me. The Lord didn’t change my circumstances, but rather my perspective. When I saw things from his viewpoint his peace washed over me. It was then that I let go of my woes and let him provide the strength me to handle them. Let go of whatever is holding you in its grips and let God be your Shepherd.
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Merrie Hansen and her husband of 38 years have called Texas, Alaska, Missouri and Kansas home, but currently live where it all began in southeast Nebraska. It is from those moves and her experience as a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, friend…singer, backpacker, roller skater, home-school mom, volunteer...which she writes devotionals that challenge, encourage and inspire others on their journey to Live-Out-Loud-for-Jesus. Some of her work can be found in “The Secret Place,” “Just Between You & Me,” and CrossRiver’s upcoming devotional compilation book, “The Benefit Package.” Merrie can always be found at www.MerrieHansen.com or facebook.com/MerrieHansen.