The idea of letting go of your troubles, fears, doubts, and letting God take them sounds so simple in theory, but can be quite difficult in practice. During our moments of crisis we try to rationalize, plan, and/or scheme our way out of these troubles without turning to Jesus first. 

If you find yourself having trouble letting go, here is a quick list of things that you can do that will help. 

1.Cognitive Response

Sounds like something a psychologist would be writing a thesis on, but it’s not that heavy. Through repetition, we can achieve a positive cognitive outcome. If everything in your life is awesome at the moment it’s a perfect time to start this practice.

By repeating to yourself multiple times a day during times of peace phrases like “God has got this,” “God will see me through,” and “God, please fill my heart and life with peace,” it will, in theory, trigger a positive response when you’re in a season of troubles. Your brain will associate those phrases with feelings of peace and calm, which will deploy a more relaxed and clear thought process. You will be able to focus your mind on God and not be so clouded with spirits of doubt and fear.

2.Breathing Exercises

Someone just cut you off in traffic, you’re late for work, and what is that smell in your car you can’t get rid of? Breathe!
There is a very small window in these situations. Learn to identify what kickstarts feelings of anger, and breathe in really deep at the very moment of onset, then exhale and say “God please take the wheel of my emotions and help me be patient today.” Repeat as needed until the feelings of angst subside.  

3.Daily Prayer

I mean, this is pretty obvious, but how many of us are just saying the words and not focusing on them? You can repeat prayers until you’re blue in the face, but if you don’t truly focus on the meaning behind each sentence are you really praying to God? You might as well just be reciting some Harry Potter style wand gibberish and waiting for magic to happen? Prayer doesn’t work like that. You have to understand your prayers, know that they are a sacred conversation between you and God, and treat them as such.

4.Pray to Let God Know You Want Him to Take Control

This one comes from The Ransomed Heart Ministries, you can absolutely find your own, but I like this one and have it printed out. 

“Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God, that you died on the cross to rescue me from sin and death and to restore me to the Father. I choose now to turn from my sins, my self-centeredness, and every part of my life that does not please you. I choose you. I give myself to you. I receive your forgiveness and ask you to take your rightful place in my life as my Savior and Lord. Come reign in my heart, fill me with your love and your life, and help me to become a person who is truly loving—a person like you. Restore me, Jesus. Live in me. Love through me. Thank you, God. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

5.Church attendance

At the risk of sounding like your mom or grandmother, I’m cool with saying church is important.  There are studies that show how people live longer happier lives when they attend church regularly. We are always in the presence of God, but when we get together and pray, oh boy does he make himself known.

The positive effect group prayer and praise can have in your life is insurmountable, and will for sure help you better understand firsthand how God can take over and start to mend the broken fences in your life.