Fear, control, and manipulation are the cerebral enemies of 2020. We are all in our own heads a little too much these days. In fact, “stinking thinking” is at an all-time high causing most of us to assume the posture of a defensive lineman just waiting for the snap.

Or maybe you feel like you are the one about to snap?

I’m right there with you . . . fearing the unknown, trying to control what I feel like I still can, and sometimes manipulating people and circumstances to work in my favor because I just need something to go my way.

But, it’s exhausting. I’m exhausted.

All this wondering and worrying, speculation and skepticism, fear-mongering and frenetics has me frazzled at the core.

How are you handling 2020?

Even though I sometimes succumb to the madness of today, I know Who to turn to for the Ancient Words for all our tomorrows. Jesus knew from the beginning of the beginning what 2020 would bring, who it would take, and how it would feel. In the midst of a million unknowns, He knows. And He passed on the best life advice, for all mankind, for all time.

Hold it loosely.

In Mark‬ ‭8:35‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Jesus tells his disciples, “If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.”

It is another of Christ’s great reversals. Lose your life to save it. Ironically, we first have to loosen the “death” grip.

We can do this! Arms outstretched, palms up, fingers spread, hold your life loosely.

Now physically try it! Arms outstretched, palms up, fingers spread, hold your life loosely. Now breathe.

On what in your life do you need to loosen your grip? What are you afraid of? Who are you trying to control so you can feel more empowered? Who are you manipulating so you can get what you want?

Jesus came to give us life, restored and abundant. Fear, control, and manipulation will only leave us exhausted, living on fumes.

In the beginning when God breathed life into Adam and Eve, their natural response was an exhale of thanksgiving. After the fall and apart from Jesus, our natural exhale is waste and fumes. When Jesus transformed our state and standing by losing his own life on the cross, he supernaturally restored our exhale of thanksgiving.

We weren’t made to spew exhaust. We were made in the image of glory to reciprocate glory!

May we heed His best life advice—Hold it loosely.

Arms outstretched, palms up, fingers spread, hold your life loosely. Now close your eyes, breathe, and pray.