It is the opposite of a clinched fist---a "stands with a fist" stance.
And, for me, it seems to often come back to trust. Trust, again? Time and time again, this seems to be the theme. My theme.
Do you trust me now? God Spirit sweetly whispers into my heart when I find myself in a tight spot.
Do you trust me with this? or with that? Do you trust me with him? or with her? He invites me to open my hands to Him, His love, His control, His goodness, His work. He invites me to surrender.
He invites me to release those I love. He invites me to love-deeply, yes, and to pray fervently, absolutely! But, He wants me to lay them down and walk away. He invites me to intercession which asks a Father for help and then ....trusts the fact that He indeed listened to my request. He heard my heart. He will do what is best.
To this place of rest, this childlike trust, is where He invites me again today.
My default mode, as I have shared many times, is to control or fix. I want to make it right and manipulate. I want to be the author and the perfecter.
There is a fight within me; a deep, seated fight that seems to speak old lies to my mind and heart... saying, 'if I do release or let-go, it won't get done or it will get out-of-control'. Inside, I fear that if I release things, or situations or people then they will be left "unfixed!" and "imperfect". As if... As if! it is my job to complete the work in them! ...this "savior mentality" is not only ungodly, but very unhealthy and certainly unhelpful in building trust in my relationships.
Trust me, Stephanie. Lay it down and trust me. I am the Beginning and the End. I own the cattle on one thousand hills. I hand-placed the foundation of the earth. I am the Author and the Perfecter of Your faith... of their faith. Do you trust me now?
This is the sweet invitation. So, I release again today. ...yes, again!
I say and confess, I open my hands, kind Father! I let go. I trust You Lord--- Maker of Heaven and Earth. You own the seas and all that is in them. You will make all things beautiful in Your time.
It is amazing what freedom that is found in trust. It is remarkable the beauty that can be found in simply opening your hand.
