The Power of Surrender
“I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.” — Martin Luther.
Do your hands ever get tired of holding things so tightly? You’re not alone; mine do, too. It’s our nature to tightly grasp things that bring us comfort, security, and identity — our plans, possessions, relationships, and even our personal ambitions. However, the act of holding on too tightly can lead to anxiety, fear, and a false sense of control. True peace and freedom come from surrendering these to God. Today, I surrender.
Surrender is challenging, especially when we feel overwhelmed, disappointed, or in control of our circumstances. There are days when surrendering to God feels like the last thing we want to do. Yet, it’s in these moments of resistance that surrender becomes most transformative.
Surrender is also often misunderstood as a sign of weakness, but it is the ultimate act of strength and faith in the spiritual journey. To surrender to God means to yield to His will, trusting that His plans are more significant than our own. It’s a profound act of faith, letting go of our desires, fears, and control and placing them in His hands.
Proverbs 3:5–6 (English Standard Version) reminds us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This passage highlights the essence of surrender — trusting God entirely and acknowledging Him in every aspect of our lives. Jesus taught us this well, and one of the most poignant examples of surrender occurs in the Garden of Gethsemane. Facing the agony of the cross, Jesus prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42, ESV). Jesus’ surrender wasn’t a passive resignation but a courageous and active yielding to God’s redemptive plan.
C.S. Lewis once said, “The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become — because He made us. He invented all the different people that you and I were intended to be… It is when I turn to Christ, when I give up myself to His personality, that I first begin to have a real personality of my own.”
Lewis emphasizes that surrendering to God doesn’t erase our identity; it fulfills it. In God’s hands, we become the most accurate version of ourselves.
So how do we do this? Well, I am still a work in progress, too but here are practical steps I am using to surrender:
- Prayer: Begin each day with a prayer of surrender. Ask God to guide your steps and give you the strength to follow His lead.
- Trust: Actively choose to trust God, especially in uncertain circumstances. Remember His past faithfulness as a foundation for your trust.
- Let Go: Identify areas in your life where you hold on too tightly. Practice letting go of control and allowing God to work.
- Seek Guidance: Regularly read and meditate on God’s Word. Seek His guidance in all decisions and listen for His voice in your heart.
Friends, we can do this. It’s time to stop holding things that were never ours to carry. “God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile.” — Max Lucado.
Please pray with me this prayer of surrender:
Heavenly Father, I come before You with weary hands and a heavy heart, knowing I have held onto many things too tightly. I have clung to my plans, possessions, relationships, and ambitions, seeking comfort and security. Yet, I find myself burdened by anxiety and fear.
Today, I choose to surrender. I recognize that true peace and freedom come from placing everything in Your hands. Teach me to let go and trust in Your perfect will. I admit that surrender is challenging, especially when I feel overwhelmed or disappointed. But I know You are calling me to deeper faith and transformation.
Your Word reminds me to trust in You wholeheartedly and not lean on my understanding. Help me submit my ways to You, believing You will guide my path. Please help me release the burdens I was never meant to carry. Remind me that the journey may not be easy, but the arrival will be worthwhile. I trust You and surrender all I am and have into Your loving hands.
In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
If you want some music to accompany the journey, check out this playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/30JfM5PM6RDO60csHqXCXq?si=b7b89a86c3204e9e
