The Freedom of Release
I heard recently that God rarely works through control. He works through surrender.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. – Proverbs 3: 5-6
At the beginning of every year, it’s been a rhythm of mine to choose a word that the Holy Spirit puts upon my heart. It’s not a new idea, and many I know have adopted this practice as well.
As I shared in a recent podcast episode, RELEASE has been my word for 2025. At first, I thought there was no way. I must have heard wrong.
However, His nudging and the word “release,” could not be shaken. Daily, I was getting confirmation that I had heard correctly. Not because it felt good, but because I knew I couldn't do it on my own.
Releasing, surrendering, and fully trusting Jesus was going to take examining my own heart, allowing His Spirit to guide, and then begin releasing the things I couldn’t change.
It reminds me of the experience that some of us have had when driving at higher speeds, and our wheels begin to shake or vibrate.
I have ignored it, put off attending to it, and blamed it on poor road conditions. More often than not, my wheels are off-balance. If we continue to drive our car in this condition, our wheels will become worn, and eventually wear out completely. This is much like our own lives. If we continue down this road, refuse to release control, and hinder God from making adjustments, it can cause greater damage.
Is there some aspect in your life that is off-balance or out of order ?
Will you give the Holy Spirit permission to examine your heart and reveal what you need to release and surrender to Him?
If fear or shame is holding you back, consider sharing with a trusted friend or mentor and ask them to partner with you in prayer and accountability.
All throughout Scripture, God asks His people to trust and release so that they then can receive and embrace the abundant life He has for every believer.
Every year, I am amazed by how one word and the nudging of the Holy Spirit can shape and guide my life.
Proverbs 3:5-6 calls us to a greater dependence on God. Aligning our lives with His purpose and allowing balance back in our lives will over time produce fruit and reap a harvest that can’t be denied.
Surrender is rarely easy, but it is always freeing. When we loosen our grip and let God guide, we exchange our striving for His peace and our uncertainty for His direction. As you step into this season, may “release” not just be a word, but a posture of your heart–one that trusts fully in the One who sees the road ahead and knows exactly how to keep you in balance.
Reflect: What is one specific area of your life you’ve been trying to control that you sense God is asking you to release to Him today?
Prayer: Jesus, today will you help me , guide me and reveal to me what may be off balance or need attention in my life? I want to trust you and release any fear I have over to you and live confidently in your will. Amen.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. – Proverbs 3: 5-6
At the beginning of every year, it’s been a rhythm of mine to choose a word that the Holy Spirit puts upon my heart. It’s not a new idea, and many I know have adopted this practice as well.
As I shared in a recent podcast episode, RELEASE has been my word for 2025. At first, I thought there was no way. I must have heard wrong.
However, His nudging and the word “release,” could not be shaken. Daily, I was getting confirmation that I had heard correctly. Not because it felt good, but because I knew I couldn't do it on my own.
Releasing, surrendering, and fully trusting Jesus was going to take examining my own heart, allowing His Spirit to guide, and then begin releasing the things I couldn’t change.
It reminds me of the experience that some of us have had when driving at higher speeds, and our wheels begin to shake or vibrate.
I have ignored it, put off attending to it, and blamed it on poor road conditions. More often than not, my wheels are off-balance. If we continue to drive our car in this condition, our wheels will become worn, and eventually wear out completely. This is much like our own lives. If we continue down this road, refuse to release control, and hinder God from making adjustments, it can cause greater damage.
Is there some aspect in your life that is off-balance or out of order ?
Will you give the Holy Spirit permission to examine your heart and reveal what you need to release and surrender to Him?
If fear or shame is holding you back, consider sharing with a trusted friend or mentor and ask them to partner with you in prayer and accountability.
All throughout Scripture, God asks His people to trust and release so that they then can receive and embrace the abundant life He has for every believer.
Every year, I am amazed by how one word and the nudging of the Holy Spirit can shape and guide my life.
Proverbs 3:5-6 calls us to a greater dependence on God. Aligning our lives with His purpose and allowing balance back in our lives will over time produce fruit and reap a harvest that can’t be denied.
Surrender is rarely easy, but it is always freeing. When we loosen our grip and let God guide, we exchange our striving for His peace and our uncertainty for His direction. As you step into this season, may “release” not just be a word, but a posture of your heart–one that trusts fully in the One who sees the road ahead and knows exactly how to keep you in balance.
Reflect: What is one specific area of your life you’ve been trying to control that you sense God is asking you to release to Him today?
Prayer: Jesus, today will you help me , guide me and reveal to me what may be off balance or need attention in my life? I want to trust you and release any fear I have over to you and live confidently in your will. Amen.
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