Whatever you’re battling, I’ve got news for you!

Half the battle is realizing that the battle isn’t everything. The thing you’re struggling with can so easily fill your whole field of vision, blocking out the everything-else until you feel completely oppressed. Computer glitches, weight problems, writer’s block, difficult relationships, a screaming child…whatever it is, it’s not everything!

I know you don’t want to be a quitter, but sometimes the best thing you can do is let go of The Thing completely for a while. Yes, you’ll have to retype that whole document later. No, you can’t avoid dealing with the nasty neighbor forever. Of course, it’s not a good idea to let weeds grow unchecked much longer. And, naturally, you don’t want to live a fantasy or virtual life apart from the difficult realities that demand engagement. But you may need a rest, and I suggest you get it, or you may lose the battle entirely.

This is one reason why God gives us a ‘jubilee’ every week – a Sabbath day especially for letting go of all our striving. If I don’t remember anything else about my good intentions for Sabbath practice, I try at least to allow myself to be acted upon by God. To relinquish being an actor, a player, an exerter-of-will, a getter-of-results, a goal-reacher, or a purpose-achiever for one day a week is to put all the ‘battles’ of life into clear perspective.

I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. It is He who works in me to will and to do according to His purpose. In Him I live and move and have being, effects, and progress. He fights the battles. He wins the war. He perfects the work He began in me. He remains in me so that I can remain in Him. My essential task is simply to allow His life to grow in me, to be realized through me, to lead me to myself and to my destiny.

Once a week, on each Sabbath, let go of the battle and instead of trying to deal with everything, open to let the Everything have His way with you. Enjoy your Sunday!