Have you ever tried holding onto something so tightly that it became exhausting? Maybe it was control over your future, your finances, or even the opinions of others. I get it. I’ve been there. I’m a recovering control freak. I remember as a kid, playing football in the neighborhood, thinking I was the referee. Every time something didn’t go my way, I’d throw an imaginary flag. “That’s holding!” “Pass interference!” I spent more time trying to control the game than actually enjoying it.

And don’t we all do that? We try to control people, our finances, or our future. Since the Garden of Eden, we’ve been telling God, “I got this.” But when life gets overwhelming, we scramble. We numb our stress with distractions, hide our struggles, or pick up bad habits. And before we know it, we’re stuck in a cycle. “I love Jesus, but I also love ___.” Fill in the blank.

Here’s the problem — when we fill our lives with the world, there’s no room for the Spirit to work. It creates half-hearted followers who are exhausted and unfulfilled. As John Piper said, “Christians who have their foot in both worlds are miserable.”

But Jesus offers a different way. In Mark 10:17-22, a rich young ruler came to Jesus seeking eternal life. Jesus saw what held his heart — his love for money. “Sell all your possessions,” Jesus said. But the man walked away sad. He wanted both Jesus and his wealth. But whatever you cling to controls you. Cling to money, and it owns your decisions. Cling to control, and you’ll never find rest. Cling to praise, and people’s opinions will rule your heart.

Think of your life like a glove. It’s empty until something fills it. Who or what is filling your glove? When we cling to the things of this world, we block the space meant for God’s Spirit. But when we let go, we open ourselves to the fullness of Christ — His joy, peace, and freedom.

So, what’s God asking you to release? What’s the thing He’s prying from your hands? It might be pride, worry, bitterness, or an unhealthy habit. Whatever it is, surrender it. Imagine what God could do in your life if you came to Him with empty hands, ready to receive all He has for you.

You weren’t made to carry the weight of control. You were made to live in the freedom of surrender. Empty your hands — and let Him fill your life.

Memory verse for you: