Let It Go!

With the year’s end looming, many of us are reflecting on the pains and gains of 2017. Or, we are thinking ahead to what the New Year may bring.

Last year was a rollercoaster of extreme highs and lows for me, and most of it is still a blur. I sit here typing at the end of December as I’ve done annually for the last decade pondering what I can do differently next year.

At the end of 2016, I could sense a significant change was imminent though I had no idea of just how substantial those changes would be. We were anticipating a graduation. I was pondering retirement. I never anticipated the loss that would follow.

I don’t think I am alone haunted by “should have, could have and would have,” creeping into my consciousness.

The reluctance to let go of past hurts, affronts and disappointments can make us stagnant and complacent. There is a danger in becoming so comfortable in our pain and discomfort that we don’t dare move away from the very things that make our hearts ache.

 It takes more than resolve to lose weight, become fiscally responsible or keep any other resolution that enables us to move forward. Prayer and discipline are often vital to relinquishing the old, so we can grasp something new.

Whatever is wearing on you, let it go and leave it behind in 2017. Don’t drag your “baggage” into 2018. Trust me, I’ve a few things of my own I plan to leave as well.

We often fail to walk away from a job, a position, or a relationship even when God’s anointing is obviously gone. Many of us desperately hold on to something lifeless rather than become empty-handed.

Where is the wisdom in that?

What are those things you prayed for that you need to make room for?

Let go of disappointment.

Let go of regret.

Let go of the past!

Anticipate answered prayers.

Hold yourself accountable.

Grab hold to God’s unchanging hand!

        Happy New Year!

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 NIV

By Lilka Finley Raphael

Author, Editor, Gardner, Photographer, Pharmacist

30 comments

  3. Lilka, I praise the Lord for your blessings to me this year, empathetic with your loss and the changes in your life. I pray that He will continue to use you wherever you are this year as a witness of His grace and goodness. Stay focused on Him and He will continue to bless, even through the bad times.

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  4. The past 3 years have been extremely difficult, with 2017 being the worst. I told one friend I was holding onto Jesus so hard I had blisters on my hands. Deaths (too many), loss, betrayal, chaos, confusion, huge pains that left me bereft and crushed. By the end of 2017, I had choices to either hang on to the pain, loss and venomous betrayals or turn my eyes to my immediate life where so many Love me. I made it my goal to forgive, let go, move forward yet with the remembrance of Hard Lessons learned in order for growth to be beneficial. I am moving into 2018 with so much room for New Life to be possible and with a clean conscious that I truly have forgiven and accepted all that has been lost to me. Happy New Year, Lilka. May this year bring to you all and more of what you dream of. Much Love! 💞🎉💞

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    1. I am learning that the pain will eventually serve a purpose no matter how much we detest it. I made a few hard choices at the end of the year and I choose to push forward even if I have to limp. God’s mercies are new and fresh every morning. I’m learning to embrace it, my own shortcomings and shrug off the same junk that would have made be ballistic only a few years ago. Peace and HUGs to you. We made it through 2017! Onward!! 🙂

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  5. I will forget the nastiest of the past and trade them in for the lessons learned, What wonderful thoughts to take into the New Year! Thank you for your encouragement and I wish you a blessed New Year in all courage and love God can guide you to. Thank you Lilka!
    Denny

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  6. THANK YOU, I needed this right now. I was sitting in bed crying and praying. I decided to write but instead I read a few post, read yours and had to comment. I will shake it off I can’t change October 2017, or the past now that I am going into Jan 2018.
    I loved this line “Whatever is wearing on you, let it go and leave it behind in 2017. Don’t drag your “baggage” into 2018. Trust me, I’ve a few things of my own I plan to leave as well.

    Thank you again and Have a Blessed 2018!

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    1. You are VERY welcome. First and foremost I’m always preaching to myself!
      My 2017 was not the greatest but dwelling on it in 2018 won’t benefit me at all. I focus on how God got me through my trials instead. Peace to you and praying for a joyful 2018! B Blessed!

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  7. My 2017 started with me on life support 2017 ends with me toasting life!!! Leaving the baggage and the failures in 2017 and looking forward to the excitement of being Abba’s daughter in 2018! Something so delicate as life and today i praise God for every step and every breath I am able to take. And the biggest is faith! God has taught me that faith is just as simple as a child.

    Great blessings to you and your family in 2018!

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  8. Happy New Year to you and your family.
    Let’s hope 2018 is better than last year. I’m not a New Year’s Resolution person as any thing I resolve to do does not pan out. My plan for 2018 is to move to cheaper housing and to retire. My job is bad for my health but obviously finances must be in place. I’m a practical pragmatic realist. Im single with no family. I depend on me. My health is declining and that’s a reality I must face as I get older.

    As the saying goes Man proposes.
    God disposes. I pray for the best and prepare for the worst. Whatever will be, will be.

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    1. A pragmatic plan is a good plan! My health has GREATLY improved since I retired. I’ve lost weight and I’m not nearly as “mean” per my family. I pray everything works out for you and you are able to retire 🙂 Happy New Year!!

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      1. Amen Sister! I can relate to everything you just said. Most of the problems come from my current job. Outside of the job I’m a whole different person. Being Dr. Jekyll and Ms. Hyde is exhausting. Takes all my strength not to apply the “laying on of hands.”
        LOL! I’m ready for retirement! 😀😃😄😆😉😎😍😘🤗😇🤓🤣😂

        Liked by 1 person

  9. “Whatever is wearing on you, let it go and leave it behind in 2017. Don’t drag your “baggage” into 2018.”

    Amen, Lilka. That’s wisdom. And what a great opportunity to let the baggage go, as we get ready for a new year.

    May you have a very blessed 2018!

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      1. Reading your blog has been such an inspiration to me. However I often find myself not following through on so many things, mainly being purposeful for God. I Pray that I find and hold on to my purpose this year 2018.
        Love you dearly Lilka and thank you.

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      2. You are so very welcome. It takes time and diligence. We follow through and then we fall off but eventually it becomes a habit we can’t live without. The first part of my day works for me. Others prefer night before they go to bed. BibleGateway.com really jump started my reading a few years ago when I subscribed to their verse of the day. I gradually expanded what I read and found myself reading often chapters a day because I wanted to learn more.
        If I didn’t read scripture, a devotional or watch something inspirational before I left the house for work I would have snapped long ago! Sometimes I just sit still and listen to whatever God is saying to me. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate or orchestrated ordeal. God knows our heart and always meets us right where we are.
        Also, satellite radio helped a lot the past few years. I would listen to something inspirational whenever I was in the car. It doesn’t seem like much but small deposits add up. Or, simply download a message on your favorite device. It will make you want to read me and give you direction to what God wants to do with you and through you THIS year! I never thought I was one for Christian television but there are a few shows on there I have really learned from. Check out John Gray every Wednesday on TBN. He is hilarious but very insightful. Love You!

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  11. Good thoughts. I have let go of a lot. But not my wife, children and grandchildren. For me it is family.
    I hope you have a great new year and stay positive in 2018. Look at my blog today and note we have the same thoughts.

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    1. I will definitely check your blog out today. I’m definitely holding on to my family as well, they are a good bunch!

      I plan to stay positive. I also plan on spending more time on WP in 2018. Thanks for taking time to stop and comment.
      Happy New Year!! 🙂

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