PHILIPPIANS 4:11-13 (NIV)
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
What are you holding onto with a grip of iron?  If you’re honest, you might reply:  WEALTH, POWER, CONTROL, STATUS, RESPECT, FAMILY, MARRIAGE, JOB, HOME, GOOD HEALTH, OR EVEN….. A PET.  If you put these things before your relationship with God, it is pretty likely they are idols.
You should not have a tight grip on things or people.  By having a tight grip, you will experience pain whenever God decides to remove the person or object you so carefully guard. 
Instead, it is far better to keep a loose grip on the things of this world, including relationships.  We are to remember that God can take home parents, spouses, children, friends, or pets whenever He decides the time is right.  Wealth, power, and fame come and go at the drop of a hat.  Think of all the popular kids you once knew in High School.  The chances are great that they are now plain old folk just like you and me!
If you have lost a lot of personal possessions lately, and in this economy    I am sure there are many of you, remember that we are to set up eternal treasure.  To bemoan financial losses will not get you ahead of the game.  Perseverance and hard work along with a faith in God will get you back on your feet.  You may not have all the same items you once had, but I guarantee you will have more at the end of the day.  You will deposit into that eternal bank vault more wisdom, faith, love, trust, hope, and strength. 
When you finally decide to get rid of your vice grip and open your hands to God, you’re providing the Savior with an opportunity to fill them with new and even greater blessings.  Let go of grief and sorrow.  He wants to replace them joy and peace.  Release your dreams of power and status. He will use you in secret and miraculous ways. Cast off your regrets attached to you financial losses.  You will experience the joy of a daily dependence on the grace of God to provide.
Trials and storms are always going to come.  Expect them.  I urge you to learn the secret of a content heart.  Paul knew it well and therefore robbed the enemy of many opportunities to harass and torment him.  He had a loose grip on relationships and objects.  This does not mean they were not valued by this evangelist, he simply knew they were not eternal and could easily be removed from his grip. 
My advice to you dear friends is to, “Let Go and Let God.”  Yes, LET GO of your vice grip and LET GOD give you the blessings He so desperately wants to share with you.       
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.         MATTHEW 6:19-20 (NIV)
 
 
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