Unlocking True Freedom: The Power of Letting Go

After 50 years of full-time ministry, I am retiring. Throughout that time, I have accumulated a lot, especially books. I sacrificed to buy and use these books. However, with retirement, I no longer had space for them in my home; many were available electronically or in the church library.

I packed up many volumes and either donated or sold them. After three weeks of this repetitive process, I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders. The books I owned no longer had control over me.

In this process, I have had to let go of many things. I relinquished the job and tasks that consumed me. My schedule will change, so I must release the familiar.

This idea of release applies to many aspects of life. We hold on to things tightly, refusing to let go. We justify this by claiming rights, needs, and memories.

The apostle Paul spoke about those who cling tightly to the world.

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” (1 Timothy 6:10, ESV)

He speaks of craving, the desire to possess and hold on to everything we want. Contentment becomes challenging because marketers do not sell contentment; they only sell the thirst for possession.

However, Paul also speaks of giving up anything unnecessary.

“But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.” (1 Timothy 6:8, ESV)

Contentment arises when our wants are fewer than our needs. It is a simple equation that defies the complexities of modern life.

We hold grudges, tightly gripping them. We wrap our hearts around hurts because we feel justified on some strange level. Release them and let them go. You will feel lighter.

We have a strong desire to control life. The “shoulds” of life hold hostage many. We should receive what is rightfully ours. We deserve it because we have worked hard. We question why our car is in the shop when we are better drivers than others.

Release it and give your soul a lift.

In many jungle areas, natives catch monkeys using a simple trap called a coconut monkey trap.

A hunter drills a hole in a coconut, large enough for a monkey’s hand to fit through when closed. Then, he fills the coconut with rice. The monkey will come and thrust its hand through the narrow opening, grabbing a handful of rice.

However, the monkey’s fist will not come loose from the coconut once the rice is in its hand. It becomes an easy prey.

The monkey can gain his freedom by releasing the rice.

Yet, we find ourselves trapped in the same way, holding onto things and becoming prisoners of our grasp.

I still have a long way to go about releasing everything. I have cleared out an office that held a lifetime of memories, but I still have my parents’ dining set that I have been holding onto. It is time to let go. Appreciate what it represented, and open your hand to release it.

Whether it is books on a shelf, emotions of the soul, or ideas that separate us from others, true freedom comes only by releasing what holds us back.

So, what are you holding onto tightly? It may be time to release it.