Editor's Note: This post was published first published January 2019 and revised for the New Year beginning January 1, 2021
Surrender is a battle term. It implies giving up all rights to the conqueror. When an opposing army surrenders, they lay down their arms, and the winners take control from then on. Surrendering to God works the same way. God has a plan for our lives, and surrendering to Him means we set aside our own plans and eagerly seek His. The good news is that God’s plan for us is always in our best interest.
Jeremiah 29:11 HCSB For I know the plans I have for you” — this is the Lord ’s declaration — “plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Our own plans often lead to destruction.
Proverbs 14:12 HCSB There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
Our Lord is a wise and beneficent victor; He conquers us to bless us.
Admit it. Surrender is not on to do list. You’d much rather strive for success. And if you’re like most people – believers and nonbelievers – you define success as a fulfilling and prosperous career, satisfying relationships, and a happy and productive life.
God defines success a lot differently than we do. He isn’t concerned with the amount of money you make, the position you hold in your company (or church), or how many accomplishments you’ve racked up during your lifetime. He doesn’t even care about the number of people who attend your church (that’s for the pastors reading this) or your “charitable work” or how good and kind of a person you are. God cares about who is in the driver’s seat of your life—and that is determined by your level of surrender.
Psalms 1:1-2, 6 HCSB How happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked or take the path of sinners or join a group of mockers! Instead, his delight is in the Lord ’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to ruin.
2 Chronicles 16:9 HCSB For the eyes of Yahweh roam throughout the earth to show Himself strong for those whose hearts are completely His. You have been foolish in this matter. Therefore, you will have wars from now on.”
To have a heart that is completely His is to surrender and do things His way, right down to what we strive for and how we live day-to-day.
God doesn't force you to surrender. Surrender is an act of your will you have to decide to surrender your plans to God’s plans for you. Your surrender must be a total.
Just look at Germany and Japan today. They surrendered to end World War Two. The victors, led by the United States completely rebuilt those countries which are two of the most prosperous nations in the world today. That’s just a tiny example of what happens when you completely surrender to God. He will prosper you. Your prosperity may not be in material things in this life but the peace of surrender is priceless.
Surrender is a battle term. It implies giving up all rights to the conqueror. When an opposing army surrenders, they lay down their arms, and the winners take control from then on. Surrendering to God works the same way. God has a plan for our lives, and surrendering to Him means we set aside our own plans and eagerly seek His. The good news is that God’s plan for us is always in our best interest.
Jeremiah 29:11 HCSB For I know the plans I have for you” — this is the Lord ’s declaration — “plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Our own plans often lead to destruction.
Proverbs 14:12 HCSB There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
Our Lord is a wise and beneficent victor; He conquers us to bless us.
Admit it. Surrender is not on to do list. You’d much rather strive for success. And if you’re like most people – believers and nonbelievers – you define success as a fulfilling and prosperous career, satisfying relationships, and a happy and productive life.
God defines success a lot differently than we do. He isn’t concerned with the amount of money you make, the position you hold in your company (or church), or how many accomplishments you’ve racked up during your lifetime. He doesn’t even care about the number of people who attend your church (that’s for the pastors reading this) or your “charitable work” or how good and kind of a person you are. God cares about who is in the driver’s seat of your life—and that is determined by your level of surrender.
Psalms 1:1-2, 6 HCSB How happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked or take the path of sinners or join a group of mockers! Instead, his delight is in the Lord ’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to ruin.
2 Chronicles 16:9 HCSB For the eyes of Yahweh roam throughout the earth to show Himself strong for those whose hearts are completely His. You have been foolish in this matter. Therefore, you will have wars from now on.”
To have a heart that is completely His is to surrender and do things His way, right down to what we strive for and how we live day-to-day.
God doesn't force you to surrender. Surrender is an act of your will you have to decide to surrender your plans to God’s plans for you. Your surrender must be a total.
Just look at Germany and Japan today. They surrendered to end World War Two. The victors, led by the United States completely rebuilt those countries which are two of the most prosperous nations in the world today. That’s just a tiny example of what happens when you completely surrender to God. He will prosper you. Your prosperity may not be in material things in this life but the peace of surrender is priceless.
Surrender Fear
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” —Joshua 1:9
Fear is a powerful feeling—the type of feeling that can turn a day on its head immediately, the type of feeling that can stop us from trying certain things. None of us can pretend we don’t battle anxiety and fear. We all deal with fear on a daily basis and it is up to us to rise to meet it or coward from it and let it overpower us. We have the power to overcome fear and anxiety because of the spirit God gave us.
2 Timothy 1:7 HCSB For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.
When we can surrender fear, there is more room for peace.
Philippians 4:6-7 HCSB Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Many times, we run further into the fear instead of speaking what it truly is, a feeling with no place in our lives.
Joshua 1:9 HCSB Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
God is with us. Not sometimes, all the time. God is in control and there is no need to fear. You do not walk alone.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” —John 14:27
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” —Psalm 94:19
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” --Psalm 56:3
“An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” --Proverbs 12:25
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” —Psalm 27:1
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” --Psalm 55:22
Surrender Distraction
“Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.” --Proverbs 4:25
In today’s world, it’s amazing we can get anything done when the world around us is flying a million miles an hour and it’s all begging for our attention. Distractions can hold us back, make us miss deadlines, cause us to forget our goals, or make us lose sight of who we are as people. When that happens, we can start living a life we never planned to live because we forget about what’s truly important. Distraction and focus do not coexist together. We can’t live with both. .
Step 1 is to FOCUS.
Focus on who you are in Christ and who you are called to be by Christ. We are not alone in our distractions.
Acts 20:22-24 HCSB “And now I am on my way to Jerusalem, bound in my spirit, not knowing what I will encounter there, except that in town after town the Holy Spirit testifies to me that chains and afflictions are waiting for me. But I count my life of no value to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.
Remember who you are in Christ and do not be moved. Stand strong.
Step 2 is to EXECUTE.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling like your life would be better if you just gave up and just let the distractions take over. In those moments remember that you can’t serve two masters.
“Matthew 6:24 HCSB No one can be a slave of two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot be slaves of God and of money.
You can’t have the life you truly want by giving-in to all the distractions around you. In these moments.
Matthew 6:33 HCSB But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.
Step 3 is to FINISH.
Finish the day strong. Distractions are all around us and this is the time to get rid of them to really focus on what is truly important—LOVE. Love others and love yourself enough by not wasting time on the mindless distractions that take away from what’s truly important. Finish strong.
“In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” --Proverbs 3:6
“Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.” --Psalms 119:37
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” --1 Corinthians 10:13
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” —Joshua 1:9
Fear is a powerful feeling—the type of feeling that can turn a day on its head immediately, the type of feeling that can stop us from trying certain things. None of us can pretend we don’t battle anxiety and fear. We all deal with fear on a daily basis and it is up to us to rise to meet it or coward from it and let it overpower us. We have the power to overcome fear and anxiety because of the spirit God gave us.
2 Timothy 1:7 HCSB For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.
When we can surrender fear, there is more room for peace.
Philippians 4:6-7 HCSB Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Many times, we run further into the fear instead of speaking what it truly is, a feeling with no place in our lives.
Joshua 1:9 HCSB Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
God is with us. Not sometimes, all the time. God is in control and there is no need to fear. You do not walk alone.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” —John 14:27
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” —Psalm 94:19
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” --Psalm 56:3
“An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” --Proverbs 12:25
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” —Psalm 27:1
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” --Psalm 55:22
Surrender Distraction
“Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.” --Proverbs 4:25
In today’s world, it’s amazing we can get anything done when the world around us is flying a million miles an hour and it’s all begging for our attention. Distractions can hold us back, make us miss deadlines, cause us to forget our goals, or make us lose sight of who we are as people. When that happens, we can start living a life we never planned to live because we forget about what’s truly important. Distraction and focus do not coexist together. We can’t live with both. .
Step 1 is to FOCUS.
Focus on who you are in Christ and who you are called to be by Christ. We are not alone in our distractions.
Acts 20:22-24 HCSB “And now I am on my way to Jerusalem, bound in my spirit, not knowing what I will encounter there, except that in town after town the Holy Spirit testifies to me that chains and afflictions are waiting for me. But I count my life of no value to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.
Remember who you are in Christ and do not be moved. Stand strong.
Step 2 is to EXECUTE.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling like your life would be better if you just gave up and just let the distractions take over. In those moments remember that you can’t serve two masters.
“Matthew 6:24 HCSB No one can be a slave of two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot be slaves of God and of money.
You can’t have the life you truly want by giving-in to all the distractions around you. In these moments.
Matthew 6:33 HCSB But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.
Step 3 is to FINISH.
Finish the day strong. Distractions are all around us and this is the time to get rid of them to really focus on what is truly important—LOVE. Love others and love yourself enough by not wasting time on the mindless distractions that take away from what’s truly important. Finish strong.
“In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” --Proverbs 3:6
“Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.” --Psalms 119:37
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” --1 Corinthians 10:13
Photo by Steve Halama on Unsplash
Surrender Control
Control. As much as we try to control every area of our life, we find that it never really happens, and if we think we do, it’s just an illusion. No matter how happy we wake up and how Instagram-worthy our avocado toast breakfast is, we have zero, zilch, and absolutely no control of how our day will develop. Your attitude can turn on a dime when things don’t end up the way you planned.
We try to have control but get frustrated because things didn’t go our way.
Philippians 4:6-7 HCSB Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
When we push to surrender, we are reminded that God has control, and then we are freed up to live the lives He wants us to live—lives of freedom, trust, and love.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” --Psalms 27:1
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” --Jeremiah 29:11
Surrender Selfishness
Fear, distraction, and control can all boil down to a form of selfishness.
'"My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.’” --John 4:34
No matter how much we don’t want to believe it’s true, we always find ways to look out for ourselves first. What if we lived a life free of fear, clear of distractions, and control in Christ, living to show people love? What if, regardless of social status, race, or background, exhibited we love, realizing that not everyone was born into the same status, not everyone has the same abilities and not everyone always has a great day.
Selfishness can also take the form of us not seeing our own shortcomings and only focusing on what others do wrong or have done against us. We’re afraid of looking in the mirror and are quick to point fingers because it makes us feel better about our failings. This world would be incredibly different if we quit pointing fingers at others and started pointing the finger at ourselves, constantly pushing ourselves to show love to others and remember that Jesus’ love extends further and wider than our own worldviews usually allow it to.
Philippians 4:8 HCSB Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise — dwell on these things.
Let’s surrender thinking of ourselves first. Let’s surrender the things that cloud the way we see others. When we surrender these things to God, we can make room for love and forgiveness in our lives.
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” --Philippians 2:3
“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." --Mark 12:30-31
“Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.” --Psalm 136:26
As we focus on surrendering all of our fear, distraction, control, and selfishness, we all will probably mess up. Remember that none of us are perfect, but in all of our mess-ups and failures, let’s remember His love never changes. I know I beat myself up when I make mistakes, and there are a lot of people living their days feeling hopeless and beat-up, but remember there is no hope outside of Jesus.
Surrendering fear, distraction, control, and selfishness to God can help us be the change for a better world. We can be a light.
Matthew 5:14-16 HCSB “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Let’s surrender the fear that we hold within us to make room for the peace that is only available through God.
John 16:33 HCSB I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”
Let’s lay aside all the things that fill up our minds and distract us from what matters.
Philippians 3:12-14 HCSB Not that I have already reached the goal or am already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.
Let’s take our hands off the things we can’t control and trust that Jesus is who He says He is.
Let’s let go of the me, me, me mentality and spread the hope, grace, and love that we are freely given.
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.” --Galatians 2:20
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” --Romans 8:28
Editor's Note: Some edited content taken from the I Surrender Devotional by Rett Walker YouVersion Reading Plan for more information visit: http://www.rhettwalkerband.com/
RSS Feed