Fearlessly Courageous
Desk of Dennis Piller
4 24 2026
There is a shift that happens…not all at once, but steadily…where the things that once excited you…
don’t quite land the same.
The purchase doesn’t satisfy like it used to. The trip is enjoyable, but not fulfilling.
The accomplishments stack up, but something inside remains… unsettled.
And if you’re paying attention, you begin to realize something that younger years rarely allow you to see clearly and “More”… doesn’t fix it.
In From Strength to Strength, Arthur C. Brooks describes how many respond to this by doubling down…adding more experiences, more possessions, more “bucket list” moments—hoping that the next thing will finally quiet that inner restlessness.
But it doesn’t.
Because the soul was never designed to be filled that way.
As I got older and a little burnt out, I heard someone talk about reversing life… like a “reverse bucket list.” Instead of adding more, begin removing what doesn’t matter. Strip away the excess. Let go of what you don’t need. Until what remains… is what matters.
Jesus said it long before in (Matthew 6:19-20):
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth… but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
The Kingdom has always moved in the opposite direction from the world. I think at times we know that… but not enough to change that.
The world says accumulate. Jesus says, step away… quiet yourself and release it… at least for now. But the voice in your ear… The world’s cry says: secure more.
Jesus says …Trust more!
The world says define yourself by what you have.
Jesus says deny yourself… and follow Me. (Luke 9:23)
And here is where it becomes deeply personal. Because letting go is not just about possessions.
It’s about identity.
It’s about reputation.
It’s about the big C word…Control.
It’s about the need to still be seen as capable, relevant, and strong.
Paul, near the end of his life, writes something that younger men rarely understand without walking through some horrible losses:
“I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” (Philippians 4:11)
“Learned”….
Contentment is not automatic. It is formed in the letting go of stuff. It is shaped in the surrender of things our emotions are clamoring for. It grows when you realize that what you actually need… is far less than what you once thought.
“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” (1 Timothy 6:7)
So what are we holding so tightly? Why do we carry what we were never meant to keep?
God does not ask you to release things to diminish your life. He asks you to release them to your life.
Because the less you are weighed down by this world… the more you are available for His.
The more you can love freely. Give generously. Worship honestly. And walk lightly.
And become…
in the truest sense…
Questions
- What am I still holding onto that I know, deep down, God is asking me to release?
- If less… truly became more in my life, what would actually remain…and would it be enough?
Do you know someone who needs to hear this? Pass this lesson and future devotions to someone, with this Signup link: http://eepurl.com/i_nlb2 My website to view past devotions is https://fearlesslycourageous.com
Our Church did a thousand baptisms at Desoto beach last weekend. How awesome. Just a note on May 5th, I will host a Discovering Jesus ONLINE 6-week course to dive deeper into our faith and empower you with true tenets of our faith to stand on. Tuesday nights, 7pm to 8:30. It is open to you, your spouse, your family, or your neighbors. Let me know if you have an interest, and I will send you a link and the necessary materials. It is FREE of charge.
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