"Let It Go"

Chances are, you've probably heard that song by now.  Whether you've seen the latest Disney movie Frozen or not, there have been plenty of YouTube covers floating around Facebook.  (If you haven't, then check out this or this!)  I'm an unashamed fan of Frozen.  I've quoted movie lines in conversations and joined in with students' sing-a-longs in the halls.  I love the redemptive story line and the hilarious characters.

The song "Let It Go" pairs powerful lyrics with a memorable tune that marks a turning point for Elsa's character in the film.  As a Christian, however, I can't help but notice the emptiness within this song.  While it is admirable that Elsa does not want to let fear control her anymore, she embraces a rebellious "no rules for me" position.  Elsa is unwilling to continue concealing her powers and desires freedom - a freedom that is achieved when she is alone and free from societal expectations.  Alternatively, Christ has called us to a freedom that comes from from fully relying on Him.

While listening to a song from Casting Crowns' newest album, Thrive, I immediately thought of Frozen and its "Let It Go" anthem.  How different it would be for Elsa to sing the words of "Just Be Held" (below)!  I pray that this message of freedom might take root in our hearts: True freedom is found in trust, rest, and surrender.

Just Be Held

(Casting Crowns)

Hold it all together

Everybody needs you strong

But life hits you out of nowhere

And barely leaves you holding on

And when you're tired of fighting

Chained by your control

There's freedom in surrender

Lay it down and let it go

So when you're on your knees and answers seem so far away

You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held

Your world’s not falling apart, it’s falling into place

I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held

Just be held, just be held

If your eyes are on the storm

You'll wonder if I love you still

But if your eyes are on the cross

You'll know I always have and I always will

And not a tear is wasted

In time, you'll understand

I'm painting beauty with the ashes

Your life is in My hands

(Chorus)

Lift your hands, lift your eyes

In the storm is where you'll find Me

And where you are, I'll hold your heart, I'll hold your heart

Come to Me, find your rest

In the arms of the God who won’t let go

I invite you to pray for me as I share these thoughts with the BFA middle school students at our Monday morning devotions tomorrow.  My prayer is that the students would see this new perspective of true freedom and walk in humble dependence on Christ.

"Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."  Hebrews 4:16

'Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.  For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering."  Romans 8:1-3