Sunday, December 16, 2012

The Monkey Trap



My six-month-old plunged her hand into the bite-sized snack canister, grabbing some little ringed-shaped, apple-flavored, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. After attempting to pull out a handful, much to her surprise, it was stuck! 

Like a monkey trap, when she tried to hold onto those delicious goodies, her hand became inevitably, most assuredly, stuck.

"Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!" she calls to me.

But, wait. When I gently tug on her hand, I can’t pull it free. She has to let go of her own accord. It takes some time and coaxing, but she finally releases her grasp. And, then her hand was free.

Doesn’t that sounds a lot like me—like all of us?

We find something we want, but we can't have it (for me lately, perfection in some way, shape, or form), but we don't want to let it go. And, if we don't let go, we're stuck. Unable to enjoy life as the gift it truly is.

So, we hold onto that idea or idol with all our might, all our being. Until, the Lord brings us to our senses and we cry out, "Abba!  Father!  Who will save me from this body of sin and death?!" (Romans 7:24)

Our Father in heaven, our Deliverer comes, but we have to let go of our idols and cling to Him alone.

He will not force us, but He's there, coaching us, speaking tenderly to us, wooing us to Himself. If we would but let go, we would be free and wrapped in the loving arms of the Almighty.

So, what's it gonna be? Will you let go, or will you cling to that which will be the death of you?

Life is waiting, if you would but let go and let God. One finger at a time. Ten digits loosed and the weight of something that will suck the life out of you will be gone.

You don't really need it, but you do need Him. He will fill the void with His Spirit and the fruit that comes from abiding in Him:

To be truly alive and free and held close by the One who came to set us free.

Believe me it's worth it.

Just let it go.


"My dear brothers, take note of this, let every man be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires (James 1:19)."

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