Hold Loosely and Receive: Lessons From Last Year

Over the last few months, I’ve been comparing and contrasting this year from last year. I’ve been seeing that while last year was in many ways considered a time of “lack,” this year has carried many signs of the Lord’s blessing and favor. I’ve been so overwhelmed by His goodness, almost not knowing how to receive such wonderful gifts. We are certainly in a more financially secure place. Our marriage is healthier. Our kids are doing well in school, and we have another beautiful baby on the way. 

However, I feel the Lord calling me to hold these blessings loosely, and remember last year where He alone met the needs of my heart when blessings did not seem apparent. He was so near, and His presence was so needed last year, and I was able to see so vividly how He fulfilled my every desire and satisfaction. Sometimes, it is harder to see that during easier times, but because of what I walked through last year, I want to keep that same mindset no matter what season I face. And when I hold things loosely while clinging to Him alone, He actually enables me to cherish His gifts all the more because I’m fulfilled by my Giver. 

I came across a verse the other day that confirmed these truths to me. Jesus was teaching in someone’s home, when a group of friends lowered a paralyzed man through the roof of the house in order to get him close enough for Jesus to heal him. The surprising twist to this story is that He chooses to forgive the man’s sins “first.” Then He says, “But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins. So he said to the paralyzed man, ‘Get up, take your mat and go home.’” -Matt. 9:6

The order of the forgiving and healing was not implying that it was the man’s sin that made him paralyzed. In fact, the reason for his illness was not the emphasis of the story, but rather the reason for the healing. Jesus not only loved this man, and wanted to heal him. But he had a greater message to share with the onlookers. He wanted them to know that He not only had the power and authority to “heal” but rather to “forgive!” 

Many times, we see and take for granted our forgiveness. We might see a healing or another need as much more necessary or imperative. But this is quite temporary-minded, for true forgiveness brings eternal, not just earthly healing. It is the very thing that bridged the gap between us and God. Further, it is the one thing that is most undeserved. Jesus wanted the people to be stretched in their limited minds and to recognize that while “yes,” He certainly had the power to heal, this was not the greater power or gift given that day. He came to heal but not just of physical sickness but of spiritual death. 

During this holiday season, I’ve certainly been thanking Him for the blessings He has given me, and I definitely should. The little and the big gifts alike are important because of Who gave them. They’re all reason for sincere praise. I want to grasp what Jesus was trying to portray to those witnesses that day, and embrace the “greater gift.”  Further, I want to humbly bow in awe of the power He chose to use to grant forgiveness while I was yet a sinner. I choose to be overwhelmed by the gifts of righteousness and relationship that came with that gift. Lastly, I solely focus on the loving face of my Giver over all the beautiful gifts I have received.

You, Jesus, are my one true gift. You chose to forgive “so that” You could grant me Yourself. I would give up all else if I could just have You. Help me to recognize what really matters this holiday. Teach me how to live in a constant state and posture of gratitude.