Release "to be free from pain or anything that restrains, to give up or relinquish". As I was at work this past week, I realized that my arm was free - RELEASED - of pain!

You see, back in September, I started having intermittent pain in my left forearm. Somedays it was so bad I couldn't even pick up a half gallon of milk! I prayed for myself and  I had others pray for me at various times over a sixth month period. Then, at a retreat in January, the Lord showed me through some wise friends, that maybe the pain that I was feeling in my neck, shoulder, and arm was also spiritual. I was feeling responsible for many things. I was literally carrying the burden myself and it was becoming a real "pain in the neck" and arm. I was not allowing the Lord to shoulder the burden that He so willingly wants to bear for me. 

"Pour out all your worries and stress upon Him and leave them there, for He always tenderly cares for you" (I Peter 5:7, TTP - The Passion Translation)

"Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Then come to Me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Simply join your life with Mine. Learn My ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in Me. For all that I require of you will be pleasant and easy to bear.” (Matthews 11:28-30 TTP)

In the last 2 months, I have purposefully been praying and asking the Lord to show me HOW to allow the Lord to carry the burden that is NOT mine. (Which by the way, is pretty much EVERYTHING).  And He has been taking care of things beautifully and much better than I ever could. There truly is "refreshment and rest" when I allow Him to be in control!

Why does it take me so long to get to this point in my intimacy with Him? Why do I have to keep re-learning this principle? I think because so much in our culture tells us to work and not rest, to try harder and be in control. Can anyone relate? 

It's been hard and easy at all the same time. However, it's been so worth it to RELEASE ALL of my cares to HIM! The result in the process?  I have received physical healing and peace beyond my understanding! 

Psalm 55:22 " So here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Leave all your cares and anxieties at the feet of the Lord, and measureless grace will strengthen you." (TTP-The Passion Translation) 

What do you need to release to Him today?  

This post is part of Kate Motaung's "Five Minute Friday," which she hosts on the Five Minute Friday website. Kate posts a single word each week and each blogger sets a timer for 5 minutes to write and then posts, with very little editing. Check out the other writers this week!