Let

  Let.  This implies something that we do.  It is a participation of agreement to some action.  In Psalm 31, the word "let" precedes the desired end several times.  It is first addressed to God as a prayer for His participation.  For example, v.1 'Let me never be put to shame," and v.16  "Let Your face shine on Your servant."  In these verses we are inviting the Lord, actually agreeing with His Word and giving Him permission, to perform His desires.  What a marked contrast to the concept that we are waiting on God to move, rather than God is waiting on us to let Him do it.  

The dictionary definition of "let" is to allow, permit, give permission to, give leave to, choose to execute what is right or should be done.  In short, "let" requires your agreement and obedience to an order.  "Let" is the switch on the flashlight, God is the battery.  

The conclusion of Psalm 31 calls on us to choose an action God commands, "Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for and hope in the Lord."  Likewise, Jesus often directed His followers with commands like "Let your light shine among men."  In John 14, as He was explaining to His disciples that He was going to die and go to the Father, His instruction was "Let not your hearts be troubled."  A choice like this requires a deliberate focus on His truth and rejecting the natural thoughts and feelings that our fallen nature pumps into our consciousness.  

God is so good.  Surely goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our life.  His mercy is fresh every morning.  No good thing does He withhold from those who fear Him.  God makes all things work together for good for those who love Him and are called for His purpose.  There are so many of these promises which show His goodness and give us a future and a hope. We can focus on His goodness and mercy and "let" this truth flood our soul, or we can focus on the negative emotions that scream at us.  However, know that this decision is life or death; choose life.  It is up to us to take every thought captive to obey Christ.  The question is what thoughts and feelings will you allow to dwell in your mind.  No one can do this for you, you have free will and are king of your life. The choice is yours.  

Paul instructs the Colossians, "Let the peace of God rule in our hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.  Let the Word of Christ dwell in your richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."  In Philippians, he further states the necessity to refuse to be anxious by turning things over to the Lord in prayer with thanksgiving, so the peace of Christ can fill our hearts and minds. Then he shows us how to "change the channel" by deliberately thinking about what is lovely, pure, just, and worthy of praise.  We can allow Christ's peace to enter by obeying His simple command "think about these things."  

Clearly the gate keeper is our mind and heart.  Proverbs 23:7 reveals as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.  2 Corinthians 10:4 points out the divine weapons for the spiritual battle empower us to take every thought captive and put down every imagination that opposes Christ.  On the amazing positive side, the Spirit has reveals to us the mind of Christ and we are instructed to "let" this mind be in you, which leads us to know God's thoughts and ways.  We let His thoughts and ways dominate and replace our thoughts and ways.  God's way of rewarding us for choosing to keep His Word in your mind and heart, thus speaking His truth, is to lead us "always in triumph."  

Finally, Jesus said to those who would be His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.  Matthew 16:24  Therefore, we let Him and His life rule in us by laying down our selfish ways, thus letting His joy and peace be our strength.  God is waiting for us and calling to us to allow Him to live in us forever.  Let Him.