The Geography of Relief

I've been exploring what happens in that moment when a problem moves from my shoulders to God's care. Where does it go? What changes? The problem itself remains – the alcoholic still drinks, the money is still tight, and the relationship still struggles. Yet relief that comes is genuine and undeniable.

The relief isn't in the circumstance changing but in the burden lifting. I've carried so much for so long that I'd forgotten what my natural posture felt like. I was bent under weight I was never meant to carry and I thought that was just how life was. But when I turn even a few problems over my body remembers what it's like to stand upright.

This relief confuses people who haven't experienced it. They see my circumstances and wonder why I'm not more worried more active more controlling. They don't understand that the problems are now in God's care not mine. Without the crushing weight of trying to control everything I can see more clearly what's actually mine to do. I can focus on my own actions and trust God to focus on the outcomes.

Today I remember that even a few problems turned over can lighten my load significantly.