Seeking God in the Art of Letting Go - 7 Tips

Some of us have this strange ability to hold on tight to things that no longer serve us. Sadly, some of us struggle with the beautiful gift of "letting go." We all have encountered someone who clings to a toxic relationship, a job that doesn't fulfill them, or possessions that should have been donated long ago. The unfortunate reality is that shedding unnecessary baggage can be incredibly challenging.

 For me, releasing toxic relationships and individuals poses no challenge. Recognizing when someone or something compromises my spiritual well-being, I swiftly sever ties without hesitation. However, I struggle with letting go of one particular thing (more on that to come). Over the years, I've faced significant criticism for this approach. I've been labeled everything from 'cold-hearted' to 'unfeeling.' However, I don't view myself in that light. My life philosophy simply diverges from the mainstream perspective.I live my life with a sense of detachment from many people and things in this world. I see myself as passing through on a journey towards my true home. Nothing here is permanent or truly mine; everything and everyone ultimately belong to God.

We were created in God's image and granted free will, a belief I hold dear. This conviction shapes my lifestyle, where my primary commitment lies in my faith. Central to my faith is the sacrament of marriage—a union ordained by God, bringing together a man and a woman to reflect the profound love of Christ for His church. I am also committed to the well-being of my children. I'm committed to being a nurturing mother. One who loves them immensely sees the good in them and has the maturity and wisdom to let go when the time is right. My commitment to them lasts as long as they are children. When it comes to the material world my commitment is slim to none.

It always tickles me to see those individuals who value themselves on the home they live in, the cars they drive, bags they carry, or the mobile phones in which they snap their luxurious selfies. Their worth seems to be based on what they have, which is unfortunate considering all things on this Earth parish. None of these things, items, and possessions truly belong to them. A luxurious car will eventually become worthless, a home in which you think you own will eventually be handed over to someone else.

The expensive clothes and shoes will undoubtedly be subjected to wear and tear, moths and mildew.

So why commit to such things and seek out true happiness, true peace and the purest love imaginable?

Seeking out God is a pursuit that transcends earthly desires and temporal concerns. In the book of Jeremiah, God speaks through the prophet, saying, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13). This verse underscores the importance of wholeheartedly seeking God, aligning our desires with His will. As we earnestly seek Him, our hearts are opened to His presence and guidance. The journey of seeking God requires dedication and faith, trusting that He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Through prayer, meditation on His Word, and a surrendered heart, we draw closer to the One who offers abundant life and eternal fulfillment.

With that being said, Today I'm sharing my best tips on how to let go and seek out God.

1. Pray Continually

 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you ( 1 Thessalonians 5:16 - 18).

 Prayer is our direct connection to God and the divine realm. It allows us to express gratitude, present our needs, seek guidance, find solace, experience healing, and combat negativity. Prayer is foundational to our spiritual life. As the Holy Bible advises, 'Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God' (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV). Let go of worry and entrust everything to God through prayer.

2. Seek Wisdom

 Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace (Proverbs 3:13 - 18).

 Wisdom is indeed invaluable and worth pursuing diligently. Look for wisdom with unwavering determination, exploring every avenue where she might be found. Sometimes, wisdom is right in front of us, waiting to be discovered—in the beauty of nature, the timeless wisdom of ancient texts, the shared experiences of our elders, and the innocent perspectives of children. Delve into holy scripture, engage in meaningful conversations, and seek divine guidance through prayer to attain wisdom. The pursuit of wisdom is continuous; even when you believe you've grasped it, remain open and persistent. Never cease in your quest for wisdom, for it is a lifelong journey of growth and enlightenment.

3. Wake Up and Give Thanks First Thing in the Morning

 In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly (Psalm 5:3).

 There is a profound mystique to the tranquil moments of early morning, before the sun graces the horizon and while the moon and stars hold sway in the sky. In the quietude of a sleeping house, embrace these sacred hours as a sanctuary for prayer, gratitude, and spiritual connection. Take deliberate, unhurried breaths, allowing yourself to commune with angels, saints, and the divine presence of God through His word. This serene time offers a rare opportunity to deepen your spiritual bond and nurture a sense of peace that resonates throughout the day.

4. Stay Focused

 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2).

 Stay grounded by keeping your mind and heart attuned to what truly matters, and you'll find that other distractions lose their grip on you. When I prioritize my faith and the eternal journey homeward, everything else naturally takes a back seat. The world can be noisy and full of distractions that pull us away from our core values and purpose. Without steadfast focus on what is truly significant, our priorities can become distorted, leading to a sense of chaos in life. Stay aligned with your true purpose—to serve God, show love to others, do good deeds, and ultimately prepare for the journey back to our heavenly home when the time comes. By maintaining this perspective, we can navigate life's challenges with clarity and purpose, knowing that our ultimate goal is rooted in faith and love.

5. Practice Minimalism

 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:19 - 21).

 When Jesus called upon the disciples, He asked them to sell their possessions and follow Him, embracing a lifestyle of simplicity and focus on their mission. This principle aligns with psychological research suggesting that living with less can lead to greater health and happiness. I personally experienced this firsthand growing up in a home typical of many millennial households, where consumerism often prevailed.

My family home was filled with material abundance, thanks to my adults' shopping habits. While grateful for these blessings, I found the sheer volume of possessions overwhelming. More belongings meant a need for larger living spaces to accommodate them, a cycle I observed firsthand. Over time, I discovered the peace that accompanies minimalism. My current living situation reflects this realization—it's small and contains only essentials: a dining table, a comfortable couch, a modest television for the kids, a curated collection of books, a few outfits, and a focus on faith and spirituality.

6. Take Care of Yourself and Others

 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies (Corinthians 6:19 - 20).

I've discovered that when I prioritize caring for myself and those entrusted to my care, it becomes natural to let go of distractions and unnecessary burdens. Consider the significance of a social media presence: if it occupies too much mental space and fosters negativity, its importance diminishes greatly. This is why I maintain a minimalistic approach to social media—I prioritize quality over quantity, focusing only on what truly adds value to my life.

Caring for oneself and others encompasses nurturing spiritual, mental, and physical well-being. When we invest in these areas, we often find ourselves with less capacity for things that bring toxicity and serve no purpose. By fostering a holistic approach to self-care and compassion for others, we create a healthier environment that naturally filters out distractions and negativity. Ultimately, prioritizing what truly matters allows us to lead more intentional and fulfilling lives

7. Practice Humility

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others (Philippians 2:3-4).

 Unfortunately, we live in a culture that often celebrates pride as a virtue. Many people take pride in their possessions, social status, appearance, relationship status, and physical attributes, among other things. This sense of pride is insatiable; once one milestone is achieved, the quest for the next level of pride begins. Maintaining humility and recognizing our inherent worth in God's eyes allows us to easily let go of the toxic pursuits of worldly validation. When we view ourselves through God's lens of love and acceptance, there's no need to chase after fleeting accolades or conform to societal standards of perfection. Rather than striving to become internet icons or achieving worldly forms of perfection, embracing humility and acknowledging our intrinsic value in God's sight brings true fulfillment and freedom from the relentless pursuit of pride and external validation.

 God created us in a state of natural innocence, naked and unadorned, surrounded only by the beauty of nature and His creation. In this raw and pure form, God, the Creator Himself, deemed us good. However, it was the deceit of the evil one that led our ancestor Eve to doubt her inherent worth. The serpent convinced her that disobedience to God would elevate her to something greater—an insidious lie then, and still a deception today. Nothing in this world, whether it be makeup, designer clothes, achievements, material possessions, or status symbols, can truly enhance our original state of goodness. Let go of the toxic notion that external trappings define our worth. Embrace humility and rediscover the innate beauty of our authentic selves, as God intended us to be.

While I'm sharing tips that have helped me let go of worldly attachments, I must acknowledge that I'm not perfect myself. I openly admit to struggling with letting go of one particular thing—the memory of the home where I grew up. To me, my grandmother's house in Miami, FL, felt like heaven on Earth. Her home was a sanctuary—quiet, humble, and filled with warmth and love. Outside, the landscape was adorned with plush fruit-bearing trees— avocados, mangos, lemons, limes, grapefruit, collard greens, and bananas—an abundance that reflected the care and dedication of my grandmother. Amidst this natural beauty, the air was often filled with the soothing melodies of old church hymns and the murmurs of heartfelt prayers. Inside, my grandmother, a pillar of strength rooted in her faith, tended to us with unwavering devotion, as if nurturing our home and everyone within its walls was her sole purpose on Earth. Her love was palpable and boundless, creating an atmosphere where warmth and compassion enveloped us like a gentle embrace. In her presence, I felt secure and cherished, knowing that her care was a reflection of her deep connection with Christ and her profound love for each member of our family.

It's been nearly 20 years since I last set foot there, yet I find myself visiting it in my mind daily. This place is the one thing I struggle to let go of—a powerful force that anchors me to the past, sometimes making it challenging to fully embrace the present moment. I often dream about it, envisioning a perfect scenario where I could reclaim that beloved home. I would repurchase it from its current owners, restore it to its former glory, and return it to my mom and grandmother, the rightful caretakers. I long to honor their legacy by caring for and cherishing this home as they once did. Yet, I recognize that I am a dreamer, occasionally struggling with the beauty and challenge of letting go.

How about this—let's support each other through prayer. You pray for me, and I'll pray for you.

With sincere love,

 Your friend,

Chay Marie