Today’s Scripture
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2, ESV).
Today’s Devotion
It’s just a hollow gourd. Brazilian hunters cut a hole in one side that’s just big enough for a monkey’s hand to slip through and grab the tasty treat placed inside.
Once the monkey has a fistful of food, it tries to pull its hand out and enjoy the prize. But the hole is too small for that. The monkey must let go to free itself.
That’s the genius of the monkey trap. There are no springs or mechanisms. The monkey traps itself. Freedom is simple: just let go.
Foolish monkey. You know what to do. You need to break free.
What Are you Holding on To?
Are we any better? As humans, we latch on to behaviors, habits, and sins that seem to satisfy but the longer we hold on to them, the greater the destruction of our hearts and marriages. Rather than holding on to those things, follow God’s challenge in Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV), and “lay aside every weight and sin that clings so closely,” and look to Jesus for help and healing.
Freedom or Captivity?
It’s time to break free from what’s breaking your marriage. I don’t know what you struggle with, nor the pain it is causing your marriage, but I do know that you face a choice: Hold tighter to the sin and pain or let go and look to Jesus.
Freedom or captivity. It’s up to you.
Letting go
- Examine your heart. Have you latched on to something that’s destroying your relationship with your spouse? With God?
- Count the cost of holding on.
- If you choose to let go, confess it. Read Psalm 51 and pray King David’s prayer.
- Set healthy boundaries to avoid returning to the trap.
- Seek help from a Christian counselor or marriage counselor.
Today’s Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us break free from the things that break our marriage and lay aside the sins that are keeping us from you and from each other. Amen.
