Release

Release

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

OUR SON MOVED OUT of our home just two months prior to his high school graduation. As an eighteen-year-old young man with friends already leasing an apartment, he decided he wanted the freedom that living on his own and out from under his parents’ roof afforded him. The past year had been challenging for all of us as he struggled to follow the rules set up in our home. My husband and I cautiously let him leave, understanding that at his age, the choice to stay at home with us or not was ultimately his.

We remained in close contact, calling and texting every few days. At first I worried a lot. I worried for his safety and wondered if he’d have everything he needed. I felt shame, worried that other parents and friends would question our ability to parent our kids well. I lay awake at night, praying for him, wishing things had gone differently. Ultimately wishing for control of the situation that I knew I did not have.

Through my prayers in the days and weeks after our son left, God slowly brought me to a place of seeing myself releasing my son into his loving hands. Worrying incessantly was not helpful. I needed rest, and I needed to trust that God was in control and that I was not. I still pray for my son, but anytime I feel worried, I give him back to God, releasing him once again to our heavenly Father’s care.

There are so many things in life that can cause us to worry. So many things that, if we are completely honest with ourselves, are beyond our ability to control. And much of this life of faith is releasing back to God that which we cannot control. It is not always easy, and often we will have to release the same thing over and over again. Life and relationships are messy, and not everything will always wrap up with a neat little bow, but we can be confident that God will continue to take our worries from us, because he cares so much for us.

Lord, help us to release to you the people and circumstances that we cannot control. Give us your peace in place of worry. Amen.

-Kendra

One Good Step: What worries do you need to release to God today? How can you give them to God and then trust his care for you?