We love the idea of renewal, the promise of fresh energy, new opportunities, and a chance to grow closer to God. But here’s the truth most of us avoid: renewal doesn’t begin with adding more to our lives. It begins with release.
We carry so much into each new season: old habits, guilt, grudges, unrealistic expectations, fear, and even unfulfilled dreams. All of it weighs us down. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Transformation begins when we unclench our grip on the things that hinder us and invite God to replace them with His life, giving presence.
I remember a season when I was overwhelmed by perfectionism. Every day felt like a checklist of obligations, ministry responsibilities, schoolwork, and family duties, and I carried an internal fear of failing or not doing enough. I thought renewal would come by adding more discipline or pushing harder. But the breakthrough didn’t come from doing more, it came from surrendering. I had to lay down the weight of my own expectations and trust God to carry what I couldn’t. That is where true renewal begins.
Why Release Matters
Luke 9:23 tells us, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Following Jesus isn’t just about picking up new habits; it’s about putting down what keeps us from fully walking with Him.
Release creates space. When you unclench your grip on resentment, fear, or the past, you make room for God’s Spirit to move. When you let go of things that drain you, you make room for His strength to restore and energize you. It’s a paradox: letting go is not losing, it’s gaining everything God has for you.
Psalm 55:22 reminds us, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.” That burden could be guilt, anxiety, or expectations you’ve been trying to carry alone. God never asks us to carry it by ourselves; He asks us to release it into His hands so He can do what only He can do.
Practical Steps to Release and Begin Renewal
- Identify the Weight – Take honest stock of what is holding you back. Are you clinging to regret, fear, resentment, or a need to control outcomes? Ask God to reveal the areas that need to be surrendered.
- Surrender in Prayer – Lay it all before God. Say, “Lord, I cannot carry this. I release it to You. Help me walk free.” Let your heart speak honestly to Him; He can handle it.
- Forgive and Let Go – Bitterness and unresolved conflict act like chains. Forgiveness doesn’t always mean reconciliation, but it does mean releasing the hold those experiences have on you.
- Set Healthy Boundaries – Renewal requires protection. Let go of people, routines, or environments that keep you stuck. Sometimes release means saying “no” to what doesn’t align with God’s purpose for your life.
- Replace With God’s Priorities – Once you’ve released, fill the space with God’s presence. Engage in prayer, scripture study, worship, or service. Let the Spirit guide the new rhythm of your life.
Personal Reflection
For me, last year, release was a critical step. I realized I had been carrying expectations of myself that were not from God, expectations about how much I should accomplish, how I should serve, and how I should look to others. Those expectations were draining my joy and my energy. One morning, I prayed honestly, saying, “Lord, I cannot carry this weight anymore. Please take it and restore me.”
After that prayer, a shift began. The sense of pressure lifted, and I started noticing small ways God was renewing me, moments of clarity, restored relationships, and a deeper sense of peace. Release made room for restoration.
A Challenge for the Week
Today, consider what you need to lay down. Is it a fear, a grudge, a habit, or a past regret? Bring it to God, release it, and make space for His renewal. Remember, the first step in any new season isn’t what you add, it’s what you let go of. Renewal starts with release, and God is waiting to meet you there.
Pastor Tricia's Ramblings 
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