How to Listen to God and Let Go of Control
Raise your hand if letting go and trying to keep in control of the things in your life is challenge for you right now. Agreed. It’s so hard.
I want to share a personal story of one of the (many) times God has asked me to let go of control. I hope it helps you to remember you aren’t alone. God isn’t punishing you when He asks you these things, He’s helping to deepen your relationship.
Talking with a friend this week I remembered that a year ago a huge wave of panic came over me for a few weeks - I was convinced ‘something bad’ was going to happen to my flower essences. They were my sole $ maker at the time and I became consumed with fear and what ifs.
What if… my essences were lost, stolen, damaged, or they became un-usable.
How would I… make money? fulfill orders? survive?
Those were some huge fears for me. And, there was also an underlying, bigger fear that I knew in my heart God was about to lay on me - what if God tells me to stop creating and selling flower essences? Spoiler: He did. What would I do then? Who would I be?
Ultimately, when we’re confronted with these big choice points from God, we are learning to be obedient to and trusting in God.
At that point, God was asking me to claim a new identity. Or, to at least start thinking about this change He intended for me.
Our identity isn’t in the work we do, in being wives or moms or even in what we look like or our accomplishments. Our identity is in being a child of God.
I’ve since listened to God yayyy! and I stopped selling and making flower essences. I actually don’t even use flower essences anymore but that’s probably a story for another day.
But last year, in that exact moment, I was not ready for such a huge change. God knew that. And, I realize now He was preparing me for that future moment when I would be ready.
The question we can ask ourselves in these moments is: can I let God in to work on changing my heart? Because, He is good and kind and gentle with us when we do.
It won’t turn out the way you think, the way you wish, or even the way you pray it will. With God it will be so much better.
But, it doesn’t mean the process isn’t going to hurt, or be scary, or heartbreaking.
What my fear looked like on the surface was being afraid of something out of my control. But when did controlling outcomes ever produce anything to delight the Lord? If He wants to take my business as I knew it away - please do it. Please show me what pleases you, God. This became a new focus and a new desire planted in my heart.
Coming out of the new age has been such a multi-layered process. A lot ended for me right away when I was saved. Then, for 2 years (and it’s still happening) I’ve been asked by God to let go of more and more, to change, to grow, to question every thought and belief, all to get out of the way so He can work.
What’s really helped is knowing it’s easier for God to do what He wants to do in your life than it will be for you to resist it.
So, let’s look at what’s helped in the letting go process.
1. reflection and journalling
a. What are you fearing the most in your life today?
b. Is there something God is pointing out that He wants you to let go of? Why does this feel scary?
c. Most of these fears of letting go can be wrapped up in your old identity. Is this true for you? What identity from your past or present are you wanting to hold onto? What does this identity give you that you fear God can’t?
2. Pray and seek support from the Holy Spirit
In prayer ask God to show you and teach you how to have faith in this important process of letting go and trusting in Him.
There are many things from your ‘old’ life that are so easy to let go of. It feels good and you feel lighter afterward. And, there will be things God will ask you to do that feel much harder. Maybe you’ll even say no or dig your heels in. When this happens, talk to Him. Ask Jesus to help you see your fear, name it, and make changes that are small but significant to work through it daily.
3. memorize scripture that brings you peace
Choose the ones that give you a sense of peace and comfort. These are the three that I know and love and that my mind can recall quickly in the moments when fear pops up.
The Lord is my shepherd. I have all that I need. - Psalm 23:1
With God, nothing is impossible. - Luke 1:37
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
Need a little more inspiration?
I’m always recommending the book, Breath as Prayer by Jennifer Tucker because it’s not only beautiful, but it’s full of scriptures you can easily memorize and use in those moments when you really need something better than your own thoughts.
She has beautiful imagery and guides you step by step to use Bible verses with your breathing to calm your mind and bring you back to God.
Here’s one I love…
He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. - Psalm 91:4
inhale:
cover me with your feathers
exhale:
shelter me with your wings.
inhale:
your faithful promises
exhale:
shield me and protect me.
In what ways has God changed your heart? Maybe you’re going through this right now. If you are, know that you aren’t alone. He’s always, always with you.
xo,
Eliza
