Release: A Word Study - and why it was my Word for the Year

Release.

Take a deep breath, hold it for a moment, then exhale. Release.

Image by Vaiva Zernosekovaite from Pixabay

When I decided my word for 2024 would be release, I wanted it for many things. Releasing mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually pain, fears, worry, doubt, fat, any negetive emotions that are not mine, etc.

Release my control - or desire to control and know all that's out there.

Release the fear that was creeping in and casting a shadow over my life.

Release the anxieties that filled my head because I cannot control tomorrow. God holds the future.

Release the anger and frustration, the hurt, the disappointments and regret I have been holding on to, that's now growing rank and stagnant inside of me.

Release the pain of old memories, with broken families and broken friendships.

Release the physical pain in my body - allow myself to feel it then let it go.

And release (Lord willing) some safety fat I gained so much of during the past 2 years (that is a story for another time, my friends).

My favorite dictionary, Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language, says release means "to set free from restraint of any kind, either pysical or moral" and "to free from pain, care, trouble, grief, etc."

"To set free from restraint of any kind."

"To free from."

Letting go and letting God.

Releasing.

Sister, if you are overcome with pain, care, trouble or grief, cast it all to your Savior who bore it all for you on the cross.

"Cast your anxieties on Him for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

When life overwhelms and your heart is heavy with the cares of the world, say to God, "You are my hiding place; You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." (Psalm 32:7)

It doesn't happen all at once, but letting go mentally and emotionally is so freeing!

Now as the year is more than halfway over, I feel more peace and stillness compared to the first months of 2024. I can look back and see what God has brought me through and how He has strengthened me through the rough patches.

Little fears and insecurities still wiggle into my mind, but I give them to God and that has made the biggest difference.

Release, let go, and live free as a child of the Living One, your Ever-Loving Father, your God. ✨❤

🩷 Leah Beth

Release: a word study