Are You Surrendered?

Surrender.  What comes to mind when you think of this word?

I think of enemy soldiers waving a white flag and surrendering to the good guys.

I think of the hymn, “I Surrender All.”  

I think of a very rough day when I crawl into bed with nothing left to give anyone and I whisper, “I surrender.”

Merriam-Webster.com defines “surrender” as this:
“1.   a : to yield to the power, control, or possession of another upon compulsion or demand
      b : to give up completely or agree to forgo especially in favor of another

2.   a : to give (oneself) up into the power of another especially as a prisoner
      b : to give (oneself) over to something (as an influence)”

What stands out to you in this definition?  

If you know the hymn, “I Surrender All”, click here (http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/I_Surrender_All/) and sing the words with me,

Did you notice the progression of surrender in the song?  It perfectly matches the definition of surrender...  of yielding to God’s power, control and possession....  to give oneself over to God...  to let Him be the complete influence over one’s life.  

I invite you to ask this question with me, “Am I surrendered?”

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Father, you know surrender is difficult for me.  There is something deep within that longs for control and order.  I want to know what is coming next and to be able to plan every step.  But, your plans for me are greater than my own.  They are always better.  And, so, I surrender again today.  I open my tightly closed fists, lift my palms up to You in the heavens, and surrender my all.  Thank you for graciously allowing me to do this daily - even minute by minute when I need to.  Thank you for a precious hymn which teaches me step by step how to do it and the blessing I receive in return - more of You.

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My Child,
I love you more than the stars I placed in the heavens.  You are more precious to Me than the richest of jewels.  And, I simply adore you more than you can ever comprehend.

Stop for a moment and remember some of the times you surrendered your wants, desires and will in order to receive Mine.  Throughout each of them, I was there.  I cradled you in My arms when it hurt so much you could barely breathe.  I wiped away every tear from your face.  And, I lovingly corrected you when you threw your own selfish temper tantrum because I fulfilled My will rather than yours.  I heard every cry and felt all of your hurt, pain, disappointment, frustration and anger.  And, every time, I have exchanged it for life...  beautiful life.  I know the process has often taken longer than you wished for and many times the pain greater than you thought you could bear.  But I have never left you.  And, I never will.

Keep surrendering.  Keep walking step by step.  And see the life I have yet to unfold before you.

Your Refuge