It’s Safe To Release What You’re Holding On To - Encouragement for Today - September 1, 2026
It’s Safe To Release What You’re Holding On To
“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23, NIV).
Recently I shared some honest thoughts with a friend as I was struggling through a hard situation: "Sometimes the pain of today feels like a declaration of what my whole future will look like. I just can't see how this will ever change or get better."
I knew I needed to press in to God with my doubts. Although it’s not wrong to have these thoughts, or even to share them with a friend, it is dangerous to let them consume me. So I decided to go on a walk because I’m most reminded of the sovereignty, intentionality, and artistry of our Creator when I’m outside in nature.
I love noting the changing pinks and purples of a sunrise or sunset over the marsh. I relish the warmth of oranges and yellows as fall arrives, displaying its glory in the trees. And I find it comforting that each day begins and ends with God’s display of light and dark. The consistent rhythms found in nature remind me that God is consistently true to who He is.
Our key verses for today, Lamentations 3:22-23, illuminate these important truths for us to cling to: “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
God is always a God of compassion. God never runs out of His love for us. It’s simply a part of who our faithful God is.
As I took one step after another on my walk, I had a choice: I could stay stuck, cycling through my doubts and fears, or I could surrender to the only One who is safe enough to help me process them. So I opened my hands as I declared out loud:
Lord, today I resist the pressure to try to figure out that difficult situation I so desperately want fixed. I resist the desire to control, the temptation to panic and feel like it all depends on me. I resist the pull toward focusing on all that another person is doing wrong. And I resist dwelling on worst-case scenarios.
Tonight I will stand outside during sunset, and as the light drops into the horizon, I will watch what You put on display. I will see what You can do with a mix of light and darkness.
And I will remember why I am not afraid of the light going away at sunset — because it will not stay dark forever.
I know how magnificent it will be when You bring the light back tomorrow morning. I know the sun will rise because You faithfully show us that over and over and over.
The God who makes the sun rise is the same God to whom I can safely release all I am holding on to. God, I know You see all of it. I know You know what to do with it. I trust You to guide me. I will do my part, and I will let You handle the rest.
Friend, I don’t know what’s going on in your life right now, but God does. Please know it’s OK to hand all of your doubts over to Him as you simply take a deep breath and soak in the reality of who He is. Maybe you can look out the window and see the sunrise. Or sit outside and hear the birds beginning to sing. And if you’re having a hard time putting words to how you feel, you can borrow my prayer today.
Let the beauty of His creation remind you He is faithfully compassionate. He loves you now, tomorrow, and each new day.
Lord, thank You for the chance to experience a new day full of Your glory. Please help me to keep my hands open as I learn to trust You with every detail of my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
You’re not a controlling person. You’re just desperate to prevent another hardship, more heartbreak, and all the emotional turmoil that feels so unnecessary. And it’s especially hard when you’re afraid of what God seems to be allowing. But this only leads to a false belief that everything depends on you — a crushing weight you were never meant to bear. If you’re ready to stop agonizing over why certain things won’t change or trying to make everyone around you line up with the plan you think is best, join Lysa in the pages of her new book, Making Peace with What I Can’t Control. You’ll find the relief you’re desperately searching for as you learn how to hand over to God what was always His to carry. Preorder today, and start reading the first few chapters immediately!
ENGAGE
Find everyday encouragement when you connect with Lysa TerKeurst here on Instagram.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Psalm 62:8, “Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge” (NIV).
What has been your biggest struggle in coming to God with your doubts and fears? How has today’s devotion encouraged you to release some of the things (or people) you tend to want to change, fix, or control? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
