journey onWord with us

It was a special day when my daughter learned to ride a bike by herself. Dad was great at holding her up and running alongside, but letting go was not so easy. Releasing her to ride by herself was a big step for me, because falling was an option. Learning to ride a bike seems like such a small issue now, because there have been far bigger release points along our journey. If you have children, your mind can easily go to a myriad of release points that have been difficult, maybe even gut wrenching, yet needed.  Our struggle is control, or the lack thereof. With my hands on the bike, she was not falling, but she needed the freedom to ride (or crash) on her own. Today’s thoughts are not about riding bikes or our children, but about releasing our grip on issues that we want to control.  The freedom God has designed for us is often wrestled away by our tight grip.

People in your life that you can’t control, a job problem that you can’t fix, bitterness and hurt that constantly hound you, fears that grip you, possessions that are hard to release, habits that you are dying to stop… I am sure you could complete this article with specific bikes you are controlling. Our faith teaches that we can give our burdens to the Father, and walk boldly in freedom. But if your faith is anything like mine, human frailties and sin often have a tight grip on heartfelt intentions. Releasing our struggles back to the Father needs to be part of our journey experience on a daily basis. Without conscious releasing, there will be constant unneeded burdens. Look at what His Word tells us …

Psalm 119:45
I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.

My assumption is that everyone has a bike that needs releasing. Your issue is not to free your child, but to free yourself. The counsel of God’s Word makes it very clear that those who accept His Son by faith can live in joy and peace. Maintaining  a tight grip on my daughter’s bike kept her from falling, but never gave her the freedom to ride. Holding on to issues that weigh you and I down will wreck the ride of joy, freedom and peace that He designed for us.

Are you still holding onto something?  Do you need to release the bike to Him?  Embrace the release, and with eyes of faith, look forward to the joy of the resulting ride.  Seek His precepts and ride in freedom!

In a matter of days, gifts will be given and received … some of them may even be bikes! I believe the Giver of all good gifts wants you to enjoy the amazing gift of freedom. He wants you to stop holding onto the bikes of fear, and possessions and hurts. He wants you to release them into His loving care. When the Father provides a burden lifted, you’ll have an incredible gift….better than even the most expensive bike!