As the climber reaches the top of the wall, common sport climbing rules dictate that they should be able to touch the last hold with both hands. When this has been achieved, they indicate to the belayer that they are ready to go down, releasing footholds and handholds if any, hold on to the rope, and get ready for the descent.
The belayer tightens the line one last time, and tells the climber to “Let go!” as they loosen the rope and slowly lets the climber down.
There are times in our life when God’s answer to our prayer is “no,” or at least it seems that way. There are times when it feels like there’s no end to the suffering, to the pain; like it’s all disappointment and rejection, regret and dejection.
We are spiritually wise enough to know that this is not the ending that God has written for us. We know that ultimately we will be victorious in heaven no matter what hell we are going through on earth at the moment.
However, for those times of waiting (wanting, aching, etc.), we have to know when to let go:
- In our minds – know that the situation is not going to get better anytime soon, and to start making alternative plans
- In our hearts – manage our emotions and ensure that there is no resentment, no hate for anyone that may be involved, including yourself
- In our lives – live accordingly, free and unencumbered with the mental and emotional baggage that come along with struggles
As the climber is being lowered, they have to make sure that they are not holding on to the wall in any way. Hands should be firmly holding on to the rope. Feet should be kicking on the wall gently from time to time, if the wall angle permits, to establish balance and prevent injury during the descent. If they continue to grapple at the wall on the way down, with either hands or feet, they risk being bumped and bruised by the rocks.
Letting go is not necessarily a signal of defeat. Rather, it’s marker of wisdom. It takes spiritual discernment to know when a situation has to be set aside, or when plans have to change. It takes a certain amount of intellectual capacity to know when to pivot, and how.
In climbing, you hold on to the rope as your verifiable lifeline and assurance that even though you are descending, you are not falling unprotected and eventually crashing to the ground. In life, we also have this tangible assurance that even as we have to let go of a situation, we do so with confidence and control. Not helpless, but hopeful.
Certain and secure in the One Who Is holding the rope.