Let it Go, March 7
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Thomas Sherrod
“At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth” (Mark 10:22 NIV).
We downsized eight years ago. It took months—if not years—to clear the attic, the storage building, and closets. My wife and I have different strategies for purging. She sees the sentimental value in items, while I am more of a bull in a china shop. What to keep and what to discard can be an agonizing decision. Our scripture describes the response of a wealthy man unwilling to part with his possessions and follow Jesus. He went away sorrowful. Of course, all possessions are not harmful. Great meaning is attached to gifts, pictures, or inherited furniture. The question becomes: When have we elevated belongings to an unnatural place? When we do this, they can easily become burdens and impediments to a closer walk with God.
It is a challenge to simplify and unclutter our lives. Paul reminds us not to place undue value on worldly items when he writes, “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it” (I Timothy 6:7 NIV). Cancer may have provided an opportunity to refocus your priorities. Simply walking with a good friend on a sunny afternoon may take on new meaning. Calling or texting an old friend may move up on your “to do list.” Saying “no” to unsolicited requests may become easier. Honesty with God and loved ones might occur with less effort. Intimate conversations and quiet moments with loved ones may become more frequent. Stock-piling valuables for security may seem ludicrous. Our innate desire to spend time with God may become paramount. Feeding your soul from God’s Word, quiet moments of devotion or Christian fellowship may become vital for your healing.
The wealthy man could not let go of his possessions. His belongings possessed him. He clung to things of perceived value. Sadly, he turned away from what would have filled his empty heart. You may need discernment when deciding what to release and what to embrace. God will reveal what is vital and empower you to walk away from what is draining you. Only in God’s wisdom and strength can you make this shift. The reward is a closer, more intimate walk with God.
Pray: Lord, You know what I need to relinquish. Help me to move away from that which is harmful to my spirit. Give me the courage to say yes to Your outstretched hand. Only in You do I find life. Unmask and expose that which disguises itself as good. Clarify my vision to see the path You would have me walk. Amen.
Your Turn: Ask God to bring to your awareness what is blocking a deeper relationship with Him. Then, visualize opening your hands and surrendering what hinders your walk with God.
Thomas W. Sherrod, Cancer Survivor
Tom is a retired hospital chaplain who works part time for Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health System in North Carolina. He organized and facilitated a cancer support group for twenty years as part of his hospital ministry. He is married for forty-four years and enjoys his three daughters, two sons-in-law, and five grandchildren. He is a recent survivor of prostate cancer and is immensely thankful for all of God's grace and provisions through it all.
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