Letting Go and Letting God
Heart Happy
Audio By Carbonatix
Finding Strength in His Control
I still remember the moment I realized I couldn’t do it all.
It was late at night, and I was sitting at my kitchen table, overwhelmed by the sheer number of responsibilities weighing on my shoulders—homeschooling, writing deadlines, ministry commitments, and caring for my family. I had been running on empty for weeks, trying to hold everything together, convinced that if I didn’t, everything would fall apart.
Finally, exhausted, I whispered a prayer: Lord, I can’t do this anymore. I need You to take over.
That night, something changed. Not in my circumstances—they were just as busy the next morning—but in my heart. I realized that I had been clinging to control, afraid that letting go would mean failure. But in truth, letting go was the only way to truly succeed.
Maybe you’ve felt the same way—like everything depends on you, like you can’t stop because if you do, everything will unravel. If so, you’re not alone.
In my novella, Seeds of Love, Sadie Chupp faces this very struggle. After losing her parents, she pours herself into her greenhouses and heirloom seeds—the last tangible connection to her family’s legacy. When a company offers to buy her seeds, she faces an impossible choice: hold tightly to the past or trust God with her future.
Then there’s Eli Plank, a traveling bachelor who genuinely wants to help her. But when a misunderstanding leaves her heartbroken, it only adds to the burdens she carries.
Sadie’s story reflects what so many of us experience. We want to protect what’s familiar, and we struggle to trust that God has something better ahead. We cling tightly to our fears, our worries, and our struggles, forgetting that the safest place for them is in God’s hands.
Psalm 73:26 reminds us:
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
No matter how hard we try, our own strength will never be enough—but God’s strength is limitless. He calls us to let go and trust Him, just like He called Sadie to open her heart to new possibilities.
So how do we do this? How do we surrender control and rely on God’s strength instead of our own?
1. Surrender Your Worries to God in Prayer
Sadie carried the weight of her family’s legacy on her own shoulders, unsure if she could trust anyone else with what was most precious to her.
How often do we do the same? Instead of praying about our problems, we carry them like heavy weights, assuming no one else—including God—will take care of them.
But God never intended for us to bear these burdens alone.
📖 "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." —1 Peter 5:7
➡ Take Action: Each morning, write down your worries in a journal. Then, pray over them, surrendering each one to God.
2. Accept Help from Others
When Eli tried to help Sadie, she pushed him away. She believed she had to handle everything herself.
How often do we resist help because we think accepting it makes us weak? But God places people in our lives to support us, just as He placed Eli in Sadie’s life.
📖 "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up." —Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
➡ Take Action: This week, practice saying “yes” when someone offers help—whether it’s a friend, family member, or fellow church member.
3. Replace Fear with Faith
Fear held Sadie back—fear of letting go, fear of trusting others, and fear of change. She wanted to control everything, but true peace comes from surrendering to God.
Fear thrives in uncertainty, but faith reminds us that God is already in our tomorrows.
📖 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." —Deuteronomy 31:6
➡ Take Action: The next time fear creeps in, replace it with a declaration of faith. Instead of saying, “What if this goes wrong?”, say, “I trust that God is in control.”
4. Prioritize Rest and Renewal
Sadie poured all her energy into preserving her family’s heirloom seeds, but she neglected to care for her own heart.
When we neglect rest, renewal, and time with God, we quickly become drained. But when we prioritize time in His presence, He renews our strength.
📖 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." —Matthew 11:28
➡ Take Action: Set aside time each day for prayer, reading Scripture, or simply resting in God’s presence.
5. Trust in God’s Timing
Just like Sadie had to learn to trust in God’s plan for her life, we must trust that His timing is perfect.
She thought holding onto her seeds would keep her parents’ memory alive, but God was preparing a future for her beyond what she imagined.
📖 "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 a hope and a future." —Jeremiah 29:11
➡ Take Action: When you feel impatient or discouraged, remind yourself of a time when God came through for you in the past. If He was faithful then, He will be faithful now.
Letting Go, Just Like Sadie
At the beginning of Seeds of Love, Sadie was gripping onto her past so tightly that she almost missed the blessings God had for her future.
What are you holding onto that God is asking you to release?
- Is it a fear?
- A worry?
- A burden you were never meant to carry?
When we let go, we make room for God to work in miraculous ways. We allow His strength to carry us instead of relying on our own.
➡ What’s one thing you can surrender to God today? Drop a comment below—I’d love to pray for you!
Want more insight? Join us in reading Job on the Daily Bible podcast! 🎧 LISTEN & 📺 WATCH
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Weekly readings for the Daily Bible Podcast with Tricia and Michelle
February 24
Leviticus 23-24; Leviticus 25:1-23
Unlocking God’s Mysteries
In the heart of the Old Testament, Leviticus 23 is a pivotal chapter that unveils the beauty and depth of God’s appointed festivals: the joyous celebrations of Passover, Unleavened Bread, the First Harvest, and the Festival of the Harvest.
The Sabbath and Festivals: A Time for Reflection and Rejoicing
The chapter opens with a reminder of the Sabbath—a day set apart each week for rest and worship, reinforcing the rhythm of work and rest essential for a balanced spiritual life. Following this, the narrative transitions into the details of the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread, commemorating Israel’s deliverance from Egypt with practices observed for millennia.
Leviticus 23:22 and the Echoes of Ruth
A particularly striking verse, Leviticus 23:22, encapsulates the spirit of generosity and community care by instructing landowners to leave the edges of their fields unharvested for the poor and the foreigners. This timeless principle of compassion finds a memorable application in the book of Ruth, where Boaz exemplifies this commandment, providing for Ruth and Naomi in their time of need.
The Shofar’s Call: A Symbol of Divine Presence
The Festival of Trumpets, marked by the blowing of the shofar, serves as a powerful symbol of God’s sovereignty and a prophetic reminder of the day when the trumpet will sound at Jesus’ return. Along with the Day of Atonement and the Festival of Shelters, this festival maps out a journey of repentance, atonement, and rejoicing in God’s provision and protection.
Leviticus 24: The Sanctity of Light and Life
Moving into Leviticus 24, the focus shifts to maintaining the pure oil for the lamps and the holy bread—symbols of God’s continual presence and provision. The chapter also addresses the weighty matters of justice and reverence for the divine name, emphasizing the sacredness of life and the importance of community integrity.
Jubilee: A Proclamation of Freedom
Leviticus 25 introduces the concept of the Jubilee year—a time of restoration and freedom. Every 50th year, lands were to be returned to their original families, and slaves were freed, illustrating God’s desire for equity, freedom, and the restoration of relationships.
Psalm 119: A Love Letter to God’s Law
Echoing the themes of Leviticus, Psalm 119 celebrates the joy and peace of adhering to God’s law. It’s a heartfelt declaration of love for God’s commandments and a testament to the transformative power of living according to divine statutes.
The Liberty Bell and the Message of Freedom
The inscription on the Liberty Bell, “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof,” draws directly from Leviticus 25:10, symbolizing the universal longing for freedom and justice. This connection between Scripture and American history highlights the enduring influence of biblical principles on the quest for liberty and equality.
The Relevance of God’s Appointed Times Today
God’s appointed festivals outlined in Leviticus 23 are not mere historical footnotes but vibrant celebrations of God’s ongoing work. They remind us of the Lord’s faithfulness, the importance of community, and the eternal principles of justice and mercy that guide us. As we reflect on these appointed times, we’re invited to see the story of God’s redemption unfolding in our lives, marking our moments of celebration, reflection, and commitment to the path He has set before us.
In every festival, every command, and every appointed time, we find a facet of God’s character and a call to walk more closely with Him. Whether looking back to the foundations laid in Leviticus or forward to the fulfillment of God’s promises, these appointed times offer us a chance to pause, remember, and rejoice in the story of divine love that encompasses all of history, including our own.
February 25
Leviticus 25:24-55, Leviticus 26
Redemption, Liberation, and Divine Justice
In the heart of Leviticus 25, we read about land redemption and the sanctity of human freedom, as seen through God’s compassion. The Israelites were just recently slaves, and we see here that the land and its inhabitants are not mere assets but precious charges entrusted to us. These chapters have a deeper significance, especially concerning redemption and liberation.
The Jubilee: A Celebration of Freedom and Restoration
The promise of the Jubilee year stands out as a testament to God’s mercy and justice. It’s a divine provision that ensures no individual or family remains perpetually dispossessed or enslaved, highlighting the view that land and people are not mere commodities but precious entities entrusted to humanity by God.
Divine Ownership and the Dignity of Individuals
Leviticus 25:55 says “For the people of Israel belong to me. They are my servants, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” This declaration emphasizes that the Israelites, recently liberated from slavery, are under divine protection, highlighting the intrinsic value of each individual in the eyes of their Creator.
Blessings for Obedience and the Reality of Divine Justice
In Chapter 26, we find a shift from regulations to the consequences of obedience versus disobedience. The blessings promised to Israel if they adhere to their covenant with God cover aspects like seasonal rains, abundant harvests, peace, security, and the divine promise of God’s presence among His people. These blessings are not mere rewards but the natural outcomes of living in close relationship with God.
However, the passage also starkly outlines the severe consequences of disobedience: fear, desolation, and divine wrath. Yet, even in this, there’s a message of hope: the possibility of repentance and restoration if the people confess their sins, showcasing God’s enduring commitment to His covenant and His people.
The Babylonian Exile: A Historical Fulfillment of Prophecy
The mention of the Babylonian exile serves as a historical anchor, demonstrating the real-world implications of Israel’s disobedience and God’s sovereignty in using nations like Babylon as instruments of judgment. Yet, the eventual return of the Jews to Jerusalem after 70 years of exile underlines the faithfulness of God to His promises and the importance of repentance and restoration.
The Dual Nature of God’s Covenant: Promise and Warning
God’s covenant with Israel is both a promise of blessing and a caution against the curse of disobedience. This shows God’s desire for a holy, set-apart people and His patience and willingness to forgive. Through the lens of the New Testament, we see the ultimate act of redemption as Christ takes upon Himself the curse of the law, offering salvation and freeing humanity from the bondage of sin.
The Enduring Relevance of Leviticus
In every aspect, from the jubilant celebration of the Jubilee to the solemn warnings of divine justice, Leviticus calls us to a deeper understanding of our relationship with God and one another. It’s a call to live according with God’s laws, to cherish the gift of freedom, and to embrace the promise of redemption that lies at the heart of the Christian faith.
February 26
Leviticus 27; Numbers 1
Purify Your Life
Leviticus is God’s call for His people to be holy: “You are to be holy to me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.” This call to holiness is intricately tied to the acts of purification and the clear division between what is considered holy and unholy.
The final chapter, Leviticus 27, has detailed regulations on voluntary offerings, sanctuary taxes, vows, and dedications to God. It outlines the valuation and redemption of persons, animals, or property vowed to the Lord. The chapter revisits the principle of tithing, a practice of setting apart a tenth of one’s produce as holy unto the Lord, which began with Abram’s offering in Genesis 14:20.
Organization and Sacred Duties
While Leviticus focuses on internal purity and consecration, Numbers 1 shifts the organization of the Israelite community through a census ordered by God. This military census does not include The Levites and priests, showing their unique role within the community. Instead, they safeguard the Tabernacle and facilitate God’s worship. Their role around the Tabernacle not only signifies their separation for God’s service but also serves as a protective barrier, guarding the sanctity of the worship space and the community’s well-being.
The Power of Division in Our Lives
The concept of division extends to our daily lives. It’s important to set aside time for God to prioritize spiritual nourishment. My journey of allocating more time to God’s Word has opened unexpected doors and brought unforeseen blessings.
As we read in Matthew 6:33, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
Overall, Leviticus and Numbers offer timeless lessons on purification, sacred division, and the dedication of certain aspects of our lives to God. For us, this can mean setting apart time and resources for God. As we read God’s Word, we find relevance and guidance for our modern lives. Time dedicated to understanding God’s Word is never in vain.
Engage further by tuning into our podcast for deeper discussions on Leviticus, Numbers, and the transformative power of God’s Word in our daily lives. Your journey through the Bible can illuminate historical and spiritual significance paths and personal growth and fulfillment.
February 27
Numbers 2-3
Worry Less, Trust More
In God’s Word, some moments captivate us with their profound organization and the meticulous care that God takes in orchestrating every detail of existence. One such moment unfolds in the Book of Numbers, a name that at first glance might suggest a dry account of census data. However, as we delve deeper, we uncover a narrative brimming with divine intentionality and a personal message that resonates deeply with our modern lives.
Imagine the scene: a vast multitude of freed slaves recently escaped from the clutches of Egyptian tyranny. They find themselves at the foot of Mount Sinai. They are not merely a disorganized assembly of individuals but are meticulously organized into camps, each under the banner of their respective families. This is no random arrangement. Instead, it reflects a divine order that places each tribe precisely where it should be in relation to the Tabernacle, the dwelling place of God’s presence among His people.
The tribes of Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun camped to the east of the Tabernacle, numbering 186,400. To the south lay the tribes of Reuben, Simeon, and Gad, with 151,450. Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin gathered on the west side, numbering 108,100, while Dan, Asher, and Naphtali settled to the north, reaching 157,600. This arrangement was not merely logistical. The people understood the symbolic significance, with the most honored positions given to the descendants of Jacob’s wives and lesser positions to the descendants of his concubines.
As we reflect on this divine orchestration, we are reminded of the importance of organization in our lives. Our precise God orders our steps and the details of our lives with meticulous care. The eastward positioning of Leah’s sons were towards the sunrise, the westward placement of Rachel’s sons towards the sunset, and the distribution of Bilhah’s and Zilpah’s sons across the north and south. Each detail reveals a God who is intimately involved in the arrangement of our lives.
Turning our attention to the Levites, we find another layer of divine order. The Levites were divided into four divisions, each with a specific role in serving at the Tabernacle, further underscoring the theme of organized service to God. This reminder that the Levites were substitutes for the firstborn livestock of Israel ties into a broader biblical theme: God’s provision and care for His people, down to the very last detail.
The word “Numbers” reflects the countless ways God orders our lives. From the numbering of the tribes to the counting of our sorrows and the naming of the stars, we see a God who is deeply invested in the details of our existence. The psalmists echo this sentiment, reminding us that our days are recorded in God’s book before we are even born, and that He is intimately aware of all our ways.
In a world where worry often threatens to overwhelm us, the message of Numbers serves as a powerful antidote. It reminds us that our lives are not left to chance or chaos. Instead, we are held in the hands of a God who numbers the hairs on our heads and orchestrates the events of our lives with precision and care. This realization has transformed my understanding of Numbers from a book of census data to a testament of God’s great numbering—a divine assurance that He has everything under control.
As we navigate the complexities of our lives, let us take comfort in the divine order that underpins our existence. May the organized camps of Israel inspire us to trust in the God who orders our days and our steps, reminding us that in every detail, we are profoundly known and deeply loved by the Creator of the universe. What a faith builder, indeed!
February 28
Numbers 4-5
The Quest for Purity
As we journey through the Bible with our Daily Bible Podcast, we often encounter passages that challenge our understanding and deepen our faith. The Book of Numbers, with its intricate details about the Tabernacle and the duties of the Levites, is no exception. Yesterday, we discussed the importance of organization, a theme that continues to resonate as we delve into today’s focus on the Levites’ responsibilities and the purity required in the camp of Israel.
Moving with Purpose and Precision
Moving can be a chaotic experience, but it also teaches us the value of organization and preparation—lessons echoed in how the Levites were instructed to transport the Tabernacle. The Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites each had specific roles, emphasizing that every task, no matter how small, contributes to the greater purpose of serving God and maintaining the sanctity of His dwelling place.
Spiritual Maturity and Sacred Responsibilities
The Kohathites, tasked with carrying the most sacred objects, were not listed for service until age thirty, suggesting that spiritual maturity was crucial for their sacred duties. This detail reminds us of the importance of growth and preparation in our spiritual lives before undertaking the responsibilities God assigns to us.
The Seriousness of Purity
Numbers 5 shifts our attention to the purity within Israel’s camp, covering various laws meant to protect the community’s holiness. The ritual for determining a wife’s faithfulness might seem peculiar to us, but it underscores the seriousness with which God views purity and faithfulness—not just in marriage but in our relationship with Him. It’s a stark reminder that our actions, seen and unseen, have consequences and that God’s desire for purity among His people is as relevant today as it was then.
The Duty of Faithfulness
The concept of duty runs throughout these passages, whether it’s the Levites’ service or the call to purity and faithfulness in the camp. It reminds us that we all have roles to fulfill—duties not just to our families and communities but to God Himself. The intertwining of duties in Numbers 5, from the Levites’ sacred responsibilities to the intimate matters of marital faithfulness, is a powerful reminder of our covenant relationship with God, mirroring the commitments and faithfulness expected in marriage.
Today’s exploration of the Levites’ duties and the laws of purity in Numbers 5 enriches our understanding of God’s meticulous care for His people and the profound significance of our duties to Him and to each other. As we continue our journey through the Bible, let these lessons remind us of the depth of God’s love, the seriousness with which He regards purity and faithfulness, and the divine compassion that invites us into a closer relationship with Him.
March 1
Numbers 6, 10
God Wants Us to Pay Attention
In our latest journey through the Bible with the Daily Bible Podcast, we’ve ventured into the heart of the wilderness experience of the Israelites, discovering profound lessons in the rituals and organization God established for His people. As we read chronologically, the intricate details of their journey become even more meaningful, especially when we look at the significance of the Nazirite vow and the use of silver trumpets.
The Call to Attention with Silver Trumpets
The silver trumpets hold a special place in the orchestration of the Israelite community. Their sound was not just about gathering the people or signaling movement; it was about calling God’s people to attention, to concentration, to a state of readiness for what God was about to do among them. This multifaceted use of trumpets—from gathering to celebrating, from warning to worshipping—teaches us about the value of clear, distinct communication with God and with each other.
The crafting of these trumpets, made of hammered work, signifies the effort and precision that goes into creating tools for divine purposes. Just as the trumpets required a skilled craftsman to shape them, so too are we shaped by the impacts and influences in our lives, designed to serve a purpose in God’s grand design.
The Discipline of the Nazirite Vow
Moving to the Nazirite vow, we see a profound commitment to consecration. The Hebrew root “nazar” speaks to abstaining from and consecrating oneself to God—a principle that resonates deeply with the Christian calling to live a life set apart. This vow, with its strict stipulations, required careful attention to detail and a deep dedication to maintaining purity for the sake of closeness to God.
Modern Parallels: Living Sacrifices
Drawing a parallel to our contemporary lives, particularly in the context of managing an audio production company, the necessity of attention—to detail, to timing, to the quality of work—echoes the biblical call to live attentively and conscientiously. Just as the ancient Israelites listened for the sound of the trumpets to know when to move, to gather, or to prepare for battle, so too must we listen carefully to God’s directions in our lives, paying attention to the roles He has assigned us and the paths He is leading us on.
In Romans 12:1-2, Paul echoes the essence of the Nazirite vow, urging believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This act of worship requires a transformation that comes from a renewed mind, attentive to discerning God’s will.
Applying the Lessons of Attention
As we navigate the complexities of our lives, the lessons from the Nazirite vow and the silver trumpets invite us to cultivate a practice of attention. Whether it’s managing different versions of a radio program or living out our daily callings, the need for precision, for clear communication, and for a consecrated life is ever-present.
The priestly blessing from Numbers 6:24-26 serves as a powerful prayer for our journey, reminding us of the peace and protection that comes from living in attentive obedience to God. May we strive to be people who listen for God’s direction, who pay attention to the details of His call on our lives, and who live as consecrated, holy people in every aspect of our existence.
March 2
Numbers 11-13
Overcoming Grumbling with Grace
In our journey through the Bible, we often encounter narratives that mirror our own life experiences, teaching us timeless lessons about human nature and divine grace. Our recent exploration in the Daily Bible Podcast has brought us to a poignant moment in the wilderness where the Israelites, despite witnessing miraculous provisions and deliverance, fall into a pattern of grumbling and complaining. This episode reflects their struggles and offers us a mirror to examine our responses to challenges and God’s provisions.
The Echoes of Grumbling
The story begins with the Israelites’ dissatisfaction with manna, the very sustenance provided by God. Their longing for the “good things” of Egypt, despite its bondage, illustrates a common human tendency to romanticize the past when faced with present difficulties. The grumbling quickly spreads, highlighting how easily discontent can infect a community, leading even Moses to despair under the weight of his leadership.
Divine Intervention and Human Response
In response to the grumbling, God provides quail, but not without a reminder of His power and a warning against doubting His provision. The appointment of 70 leaders to share Moses’ burden signifies God’s understanding of human limits and His provision for communal support and leadership.
Yet, the story of Caleb amidst the exploration of Canaan stands out. Faced with the same challenges and giants as the others, Caleb’s response is markedly different. His faith in God’s promise leads him to declare, “We can certainly conquer it!” This contrasts sharply with the fear and defeatism that paralyzes the others.
The Contagion of Grumbling and the Cure of Community
Grumbling, as seen in this narrative, is not just a vocal expression of dissatisfaction but a contagion that can demoralize and derail a community’s progress. It stems from unrealistic expectations and a forgetfulness of past victories and divine faithfulness. Our personal story of attempting to live a year without grumbling in a household of 11 mirrors this biblical truth. Like the Israelites, we learned that our grumbling often lies in our unrealistic expectations and a lack of trust in God’s provision.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The turning point for us, as for Moses and the Israelites, came with the recognition that overcoming grumbling and living in gratitude is impossible through sheer willpower or human effort. It requires a dependence on the Holy Spirit. The fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are the antithesis of a grumbling spirit. These qualities are not self-generated but are the outpouring of God’s Spirit working within us.
Applying the Wilderness Lessons
This narrative invites us to reflect on our responses to God’s provisions and our challenges. Do we grumble, looking back to Egypt, or do we, like Caleb, move forward in faith, confident in God’s promises? The journey through the wilderness teaches us that overcoming grumbling is not about ignoring difficulties but about trusting in God’s provision and focusing on His faithfulness.
Grumbling may be a natural human reaction to uncertainty and challenges, but with faith, community, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome this tendency and live a life marked by gratitude and trust in God’s promises.
