The Courage to Release and Rise Toward Joy

There is an image many of us know well. A little girl clutches her small teddy bear and hesitates as Jesus gently asks her to give it to Him. She says, “But I love it.” Jesus holds a much larger bear behind His back and quietly says, “Trust me.” I have seen this picture many times, yet it still reaches something inside me. It is a reminder of how hard it can feel to let go of something familiar, even when God is inviting us into something greater. Sometimes the fear of losing what we know feels stronger than the hope of what God promises. And yet, the courage to release is often the very thing that opens the door to a deeper joy.

Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV) says, “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

We often read this verse and think the joy set before Jesus was only the future outcome, the victory, or the restoration of humanity. But as I sat with this scripture again, something stood out in a fresh way. The joy set before Him was not only what He would receive, but the One He was walking with.

The joy was the Father.

The joy was obedience.

The joy was the unity of purpose.

The joy was the presence of the Spirit to finish His work.

And for us, this shifts everything.

The courage to release something lesser is not found in the size of what God may give us next. It is found in the character of the One who holds what comes next. What He gives may change, but who He is never changes. He is the one who prepares the future. He is the one who holds the next step. And He is the joy set before us.

This is the mindset of advantage. When you believe that Jesus Himself is your joy, you move differently. You choose courage differently. You let go without fear because you trust the heart of the One who leads you. Rising begins with the decision to trust that God is not taking something from you. He is making room for what aligns with your future.

Courage grows when your focus shifts from what you are releasing to who is inviting you forward. The joy is not the bigger teddy bear. The joy is Jesus. And when your eyes are on Him, courage becomes possible in places where fear once felt louder.

Midweek Pause Activation

Breath and Scripture Meditation

1. Steady Your Breath

Inhale slowly for four counts. Exhale for four counts. As you breathe out, release the pressure to manage everything on your own. Do this twice more.

2. Breathe with Intention

Inhale: “Jesus, You are my joy.”

Exhale: “I release what is lesser.”

Repeat three times.

3. Scripture Meditation

Read Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV): “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross.”

4. Closing Breath

Inhale deeply. Exhale and say, “I rise with courage.”

Closing Prayer

Jesus, thank You for being my joy and my strength. Help me release what no longer aligns with the future You have prepared. Give me courage to trust You with the unknown and confidence to rise into what You are calling me to. Keep my eyes fixed on You, the author and finisher of my faith. Amen.