You've Got Weight to Lose.

We’ve all been a scale probably more times than we can count. Usually, the number is never what we want it to be. And actually, that’s not even calculating all our weight, either. The heaviest parts of you don’t show up in a number.

Some of us have a lot of it to lose, and those of us that have the most of it to let go of tend to hold on to it the tightest.

No, I’m not talking about pounds.

The weight that gives us the most trouble isn’t the kind we hold around our bellies, it’s the kind we hold around our hearts. It heavies us and holds us back, anchoring us to things not meant for us or no good for us.

Anchoring us to places we need to leave, people we need to let go of, habits we need to quit or grudges we need to get over. It keeps us from reaching new levels and meeting new people and moving forward in our lives.

Often, we hold on because it’s comfortable, because it’s hard to let go of, because it’s all we know. Often, we hold on because we’re scared. Losing the weight takes courage, will-power and prayer. Losing it takes believing in yourself and trusting in God.

Losing it takes remembering what you deserve. Knowing that you are fearfully and wonderfully made for so much more.

Losing it takes believing God wants better for you. Making the choice that you want better for you. It may be days of begging God to help you through or relying on your circle to push you forward. Because for God to really use you, you’ve got to rid yourself of the things that are consuming you.

There is a new show right now that’s got everyone cleaning out their closets and reorganizing their lives. The expert on this series tells us to only keep the things that “spark joy,” causing people to get rid of their garbage, trash their junk and give away belongings. I wonder how many things aren’t “sparking joy” in your life – and I’m not talking about the t-shirts you never wear – I’m talking about the things you’re allowing to stick around and spark sorrow instead.

Maybe you’re so far into it that you don’t even know how to adjust your present situation. Maybe you don’t think there’s any hope in changing. Maybe you just don’t even know where to begin. Sometimes the road can seem impossibly long and the light at the end might be as dark as can be right now. But God promises us new mercies every morning, so maybe it’s not about planning for the long term, maybe it’s about planning for just right now. A new morning, a new day, a new hour, a new chance or opportunity or moment. Maybe it’s avoiding such a lofty goal and not committing to giving up this weight forever. Maybe it’s just committing to giving it up today. To giving it up to God, and giving it up again, and again, and as many times as you have to. God knows we struggle, He knows we are going to mess up, and even so, He is right there still. Waiting, listening, forgiving, helping. But we have to be careful that we aren’t saying we want to change, while just doing what we want and expecting Him to still bless us. He is there to hear our cries, but He’s never going to change them unless our lives are where they should be. God tells us that you will find Him when you seek Him with all your heart. All of it, not just the parts you want to pick and choose.

I think to seek with all your heart, you have to rid it of the things that are holding it back. The weight that is bringing it down. It’s time to get over the grudges, release the wrongs, give up the grievances, say goodbye to the bitterness and bid good riddance to the regrets.

It’s time to press forward to the life you were called to and run the race instead of stumbling through it. Cut the ropes that are holding the weights and feel the sweet release. Look your attacker in the face and say ENOUGH. Sometimes, an attacker isn’t one who’s bruising you, but one who’s using you. Sometimes an attacker isn’t someone at all, it’s regrets or disappointments, worries or stressors, grudges or heartaches. It’s WEIGHT.

Weight that we don’t deserve. Weight that we simply shouldn’t carry. Weight that wrecks our thoughts. Weight that we should be giving up to God. Weight that He tells us we can cast upon Him, because He cares for us that much. Because He loves you that much. Because He’s here for you, always, waiting and wanting to help you through whatever you need.

Jeremiah 29:11-13

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

1 Peter 5:7

Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

Isaiah 43:18-19

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

2 Peter 3:9 

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.