Let Go of the Table: Walking Toward Freedom

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!”

— Isaiah 43:18–19 (NIV)

This past August marked the seventh year since my husband’s passing. I was caught off guard by a wave of grief so overwhelming that it nearly debilitated me.  For days, I struggled to gather myself and regain focus.  I had truly believed I had moved on.  I thought I was getting stronger.

But suddenly, I began to wonder:  Had I just been faking it?

Then the Holy Spirit spoke to me.  In His presence, I found both conviction and comfort.  I realized that yes—I had moved on, but not in the way I had hoped.  I had left the solitary confinement of my home.  I had gone from inconsistent work to building my own career.  I was even traveling again.  But all of this was still within the boundaries of comfort.  Nothing truly stretched me.  My “progress” had limits—and I hadn’t seen it.

Then the Lord showed me a picture.  I was like a baby learning to walk.

You know how they hold on to a table or couch to pull themselves up?  They might even move around a bit, holding tight, thinking they’re walking.  But really, they’re just going in circles.  My children did this with our coffee table.  They’d go around and around, convinced they were making progress—when they had never left the table.

That was me.  I believed I had moved forward.  But I was simply circling the same emotional and spiritual ground — my grief, my memories, my former identity as a wife.

I hadn’t let go.  I hadn’t stepped out.  I hadn’t trusted Him enough to walk toward Him.

I was holding on to a table that no longer served me.  And yes—it hurt to admit that.  But the moment I did, something changed.

I was free.  I finally let go. How did I let go?

Letting go is not always about releasing something physical.  More often, it is a spiritual and emotional surrender.  We must release the lies that say our past defines us, that what we once were is all we will ever be.

The truth is this: God has us.  He can be trusted, and His plan for our lives is far greater than our history.  Our calling is not locked in the past—it is built upon it.  The very things that once weighed us down can become the foundation God uses to raise us up.

Scripture reminds us of who we are in Christ: “You are from God and have overcome them, for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).  “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).  And we can rest in the promise that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him” (Romans 8:28).

What the enemy once meant to destroy, God is now using to grow us.  When we let go of the lies and take hold of God’s truth, we discover that our past does not define us—His promises do.

I still don’t know exactly what’s ahead.  But I’ve seen glimpses of what God is preparing, and it’s more than I can imagine.  I’m no longer circling the table.  I’m walking—sometimes stumbling, sometimes running—but always toward Him. And He is always there to catch me.

If you’re reading this and you’re stuck—grieving, afraid, in transition—I invite you to ask:

What table are you still holding on to?

What memories, fears, or past roles are keeping you from stepping fully into your next season?

Let go.  Run to the Father.  He’s already reaching for you.

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A Prayer:

Lord, thank You for Your grace when I can’t seem to move forward.  Thank You for waiting patiently as I learn to trust again.  Help me to let go of the things I cling to out of fear.  Lord, I release the lies that try to hold me captive to my past.  Thank You that in Christ, I am more than a conqueror.  Help me to walk in the truth of Your Word and trust that You are working all things for my good.  I want to walk toward You—no matter how wobbly my steps may be.  May my life reflect Your strength, Your grace, and Your plan In Jesus’ name, Amen.