By Shari Abbott, Reasons for Hope* Jesus
On November 27, 2013 Disney debuted an animated movie titled, Frozen. A perfect name for this winter since so many areas of our country have experienced record-breaking lows. But as Christians, we must ask if this movie really teaches the things that God would want us to know? When we truly understand His teachings, the Bible is clear that we are to be dependent upon God, not upon ourselves.
The movie is loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, The Snow Queen, and one of the most moving and inspiring songs in the movie is titled, “Let it Go.” The animation is breathtaking and the imagery is amazing. The song draws you in with simple and easy-to-sing words, and yet we must pause to consider what the song teaches.
While we certainly want to “let go” of our problems, the way God wants us to “let go” is to surrender to Him and give our problems to Him. It is only by letting go, and trusting that He is in control, that we truly find the freedom to live. When we reflect upon God’s sovereignty over all things, especially our problems in life, we find that we are very small and He is very big. In knowing Him we can trust in His goodness and love, His faithfulness to us and His power and might to lead and protect us. It’s really not about us…it’s all about our God and what He has done for us through the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It’s also about what He has given to us…the power of His Holy Spirit to comfort us in difficulties and teach and direct us in all things.
Now, please don’t hear me wrong. This song is beautiful and will bring enjoyment to many. My point is not to disparage a beautiful song as this, but for us to understand it in the proper perspective. We should not let secular songs and inspiration replace the teachings of God found in the Bible. While we may enjoy the things of this world, they are not to direct our lives or influence our thinking.
This song does teach a great lesson about not living to please the world, and overcoming stereotyped expectations that the world places on us. However, it also teaches that we can do this in our own power.
We should enjoy songs like this, but always listen, as one who “has an ear to hear.”
Listen through God’s filter, His Word, and understand that letting go is a blessing from God. When we surrender our problems, He will take them, for He has promised:
Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
His “yoke is easy” and His “burden is light.”
The world’s yoke is heavy and the world’s burden is dark, so we do want to “Let it Go” but we also want to take on His yoke and His burden. So as you listen to this song, enjoy it and remember that although it may make you smile we are told to keep our eyes on God and our hearts devoted to Him. This song might inspire strength and power in you, but remember, it’s not by our might, nor by our power, but by His Spirit (Zechariah 4:6) that we can “let it go.” Therefore, the Lord Jesus Christ gets all the glory.
Finally, remember the words of Paul whose life was devoted to serving God. He has told us that our learning comes from the things of God and when we receive them we have His peace:
Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Now rightly listen and enjoy:
Let it Go
The snow glows white on the mountain night, not a footprint to be seen.
A kingdom of isolation and it looks like I’m the queen.
The wind is howling like this swirling storm inside.
Couldn’t keep it in, Heaven knows I tried.
Don’t let them in, don’t let them see. Be the good girl you always had to be.
Conceal don’t feel, don’t let them know. Well, now they know!
Let it go, let it go. Can’t hold it back anymore.
Let it go, let it go. Turn away and slam the door.
I don’t care what they’re going to say. Let the storm rage on.
The cold never bothered me anyway.
It’s funny how some distance, makes everything seem small.
And the fears that once controlled me, can’t get to me at all
It’s time to see what I can do, to test the limits and break through.
No right, no wrong, no rules for me. I’m free!
Let it go, let it go. I am one with the wind and sky.
Let it go, let it go. You’ll never see me cry.
Here I stand, and here I’ll stay. Let the storm rage on.
My power flurries through the air into the ground.
My soul is spiraling in frozen fractals all around
And one thought crystallizes like an icy blast
I’m never going back; the past is in the past!
Let it go, let it go. And I’ll rise like the break of dawn.
Let it go, let it go That perfect girl is gone
Here I stand, in the light of day.
Let the storm rage on! The cold never bothered me anyway.
If you’ve read this far….now remember:
Unlike the song that says “It’s time to see what I can do” we know that it’s time to see what God will do. Unlike the song that says “no right, no wrong, no rules for me,” we want to surrender to His rules, for they are good and right and are given for our benefit. Unlike the song that says, “I am one with the wind and sky,” and “my power flurries…,” we are one with Him through the person and power of His Spirit, so now with rightly remembering God…Let it Go!
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
