The heart of worship is surrender.
Surrender is a negative word in our day and age. My husband and I discussed how it made us feel to think of the word 'surrender' and both of us felt negatively towards it. You think of defeat, losing, giving in... but surrendering to God is so much more than all of those incorrect assumptions we have about it.
Its the natural response to God's amazing love and mercy.
Offering yourself to God is what worship is all about.
I kind of get 'surrendering in worship' but I think of it as those special intimate moments, and God wants our surrender in our every day lives.
There are three barriers that block our total surrender to God: fear, pride, and confusion.
That desire - to have complete control - is the cause of so much stress in our lives.
Complete control! This is me. I am so afraid of handing over the reins to God, afraid that his choices won't line up with what selfish me wants.
Surrendering is not for cowards or doormats.
Surrendering is not repressing your personality.
I can still be ME and surrender to God? Well, not repressing my personality but it definitely has a few flaws that are getting in the way of me surrendering.
Surrendered people obey God's word, even if it doesn't make sense.
You let go and let God work!!
Instead of trying harder, you trust more!
Letting go is the hardest part... letting ALL the way go! I tend to turn things over to God and then keep pestering him to see where he's at with it, see if he's swaying it in my direction yet.
The blessing of surrender: peace, freedom and experiencing God's power in your life.
You cannot fulfill God's purpose for your life while focusing on your own plans.
After reading Day 10 I am reminded of how MUCH I need to "let go, and let God". And once again, my fave but often ignored Proverb comes to mind.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths." Prov 3:5-6
2 years ago
Your post brings bungie jumping to mind. At times the faith we are called to have feels like stepping off a cliff...trusting that God has the cord.
ReplyDeleteI love that proverb, too. It takes the burden off (lean not to your own understanding) and reminds us to simply acknowledge God (stay in his Word and pray). Then the promise: He WILL direct your path.
As I read more of your blog...to catch up, I realize all the changes you are going through...including a new little son coming---congrats!!
ReplyDeleteBe patient with yourself. It sounds like you've been through quite a change. Concentrate on the little blessings of where you're at right now. (I know you're doing this.) There is a purpose to this.
I prayed for you tonight.
P.S. You're a good writer!