Holding On Tight

I was doing a study with my friend Megan when I came across this interesting analogy that I just had to 'unpack' a bit more. I've taken the basic premise and elaborated just a bit. Hoping to use this some day as a devotional or workshop here in South Asia. Enjoy!

The Closed Fist

In this world of ours, so many of us are walking around with one or more closed fists. We are holding on tight to our pain; holding on tight to our grief; holding on tight to our shortcomings; holding on tight to our worldly habits. It's almost as if we don't want to let go of these supposedly difficult things in our life. We want a reason to feel bad... we want a reason to justify our feelings. We need to show others and receive their love, their attention. We hold our problems tightly as a banner, clearly labeling ourselves as struggling. Clearly labeling as, dare I say it, the victim of our circumstances.

Why do we keep our fists so tightly clenched?

Maybe we are afraid.

• Afraid of falling. We've become comfortable and familiar with our sorrow. It's all we know. We feel 'safe' in its grasp.
• Afraid of giving up our control. Even though the circumstances may not be good, at least we are in control of them. We are not in free-fall. We are not open to the world, open to others input.
• Afraid to show our scars. Our anger, our grief, our habits have left a lifetime full of scars that are embarrassing. We'd rather others think we are perfect. At least our closed fists and our closed exteriors do not reveal the true inner pain within.
• Afraid that others will no longer understand. Right now people 'get us'. They associate us with our pain. They associate us with our need for grace. But what if we let go... what if we changed? Our relationships with others would necessarily have to change.

We cannot let our fears overcome us. A closed fist grasping our pain is not the best this life can offer. It is not God's first choice for us. A closed fist removes the opportunity for so many of the good things in life...

• A closed fist cannot accept God's comfort. It shuns away any attempt by God, through others, to lend a helping hand.
• A closed fist cannot serve others. It is too inwardly focused. It has no room for the feelings of others, for empathy, for love.
• A closed fist cannot move forward. We are holding ourselves back. We are attached to our past; attached to the pain.

That said, however, letting go is never easy. Growth is never simple. There is additional pain. There is humiliation. There is transparancy. What does 'letting go' mean?

• Letting go means forgiving. Truly forgiving. Not necessarily forgetting, but no longer holding the past against those who have wronged us; those who have betrayed us. Moving forward in love and searching for a new, restored relationship.
• Letting go means trusting God. We do not know what the future holds. It is hard in our own earthly power to make decisions, to choose right from wrong. However, God knows. God cares. God is there, willing to direct us. But we must trust Him. No backup plans; no reverse. Simply trust.
• Letting go means surrendering. Giving up that over which we have control. Allowing someone else to direct our life. Handing over the pain over which we have ruled for so long.
• Letting go means worship and waiting for God to act. Even though we've let go doesn't mean God is ready to move us forward. Sometimes we must let go of our grief, our anger, our habits and then silently and patiently wait for God's own timing to bring restoration.

'It's not realistic,' you say. 'It's too hard." You're absolutely right. It *is* too hard. Letting go, opening that fist which has been closed tightly for so long is probably one of the more difficult things in life we will ever have to do. But with the difficulty comes great reward. An open hand brings open opportunities, a fresh start.

• An open hand can be filled by God. Open wide, our lives can be rid of the past and filled with the glorious future only He can provide. Restoration, forgiveness, blessing.
• An open hand can wave goodbye to the past. The past can truly remain behind us. We can look to the days ahead with a new sense of hope, a new sense of adventure, a new sense of transformation. Freedom from past burdens lightens us to minister anew, to relate in a brand new way to everyone around us. Mental blocks and psychological difficulties collapse.
• An open hand can begin to heal. Only when left open to 'the air' of God's guidance, direction, and Jehovah Jirah power can our true healing begin. The first step, however, is letting go and opening that hand to His almighty love.

The closed fist. One of the most dangerous and life threatening conditions of our modern world. It is completely unfulfilling... Holding tight to our past, to our pain is like trying to hold tight to a handful of sand. Little by little the foundation on which our grasp is built slips away. One day, sadly, we are left with nothing. An open hand, however, is free to hold on to the Rock, the Solid Rock, the living God, Who will never deteriorate, will never leave us unfulfilled. Our significance is in Him and by holding tight to His will we can move forward into a life filled with His eternal touch.

~lk