I had a student give me a note saying that she really appreciated the bible study on anxiety but she had two questions: “How do you learn how to let things go?” and “How do you figure out which things to let go?”
When things are out of priority Mt. 12:1-8
When you are upset about someone following rules even though the principles that the rules are for is being served. When Jesus was criticized by the Pharisees for healing someone on Sabbath he reminded them that the Sabbath was made for man, not the other way around. He was pointing out that their rules were getting in the way of the very principle that Sabbath was designed to serve (Mk 2:27-28). So you don’t stay up so late studying for a test that it will be counterproductive. Or stick to a rule that you should never interrupt a conversation when there is an emergency going on. Or let little things annoy you about those you love. Let it go.
When its time Ecc 3:6
Sometimes time itself is a factor in letting things go. We must weigh the significance of things over time. What was very upsetting to us in the moment can lessen after a while. It can also give us the opportunity to gain perspective and see our own role in the situation.
When things are complete.2 Sam 12:15-23
If it’s over get up and wash your face. Don’t continue to wallow in the misery of something that you no longer have any say in or can affect in any way. It is always good to examine the events of your life and see what lessons are to be learned. Journaling can be a good process to work out what you need to take from an event. Praying after something is over is also a must.
When you are making them about you. 1 Sam 18:7-8
Our flesh is very self-centered. We need to check ourselves and be happy or sad for others when their success or problem really doesn’t affect us. This type of jealousy is unhealthy and can only lead to hurt feelings and offense. We want to imagine that everyone’s worldview has us at the center but of course, that is not true. When we discover that what we are stressed about has very little to do with us but affects someone else much more then we need to let go of our small concerns to help or celebrate others.
When things aren’t really about the thing you’re upset about. Jonah 4:9
Many times if you are upset about little things. The root cause of your emotional response is probably not the little things. Jonah was really upset with the plant for dying he was actually upset with God for not destroying the Ninevites. Be self-aware and examine your emotions are proportional to the thing your upset about. Let the little stuff go and focus on what is really bothering you
When things are forgiven. Isiah 43:25
If it’s forgiven then it’s forgiven. Forgiving does not mean a reinstitution of trust automatically. It merely means the debt of the offense is canceled and that the opportunity to earn trust is open. We need to continue to set boundaries and avoid enabling others in sin. That said we are commanded over and over to forgive just as we have been forgiven. It is a sin to carry an offense. We must forgive and let it go. Its a hard thing and as we struggle with it we need to keep in mind how much harder it is for a perfectly good and innocent God to forgive us.
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Don’t Let it Go – When things are about protecting others. Matthew 21:12-17
If you see someone hurting someone else then you should do something about it. Taking up for others is required. Another example that may be about you in a way but could be about others too. For example, if someone is hurting you and getting away with it then they are probably going to hurt some else to. That needs to be dealt with. You are not getting someone else in trouble you are protecting others. Second when it is about them. If someone is doing something that is harmful to themselves then you need to let others know about it. Every time!
