It was the night before my son’s surgery. The thoughts that raced in my mind were like mosquitos to a light on an evening in July. They were more than bothering me, they were consuming me. The list in my head of everything I needed prepared, the worries filled with endless “what ifs,” and the rehashing of the events that have gotten us this far. As the thoughts continued to swarm, my heart could feel the weight. You see, somehow, at some point, I figured that I could handle it all. I could make the preparations and take on the worries of the day. Maybe if I tried really hard I could even control the whole situation by thinking about it long and hard enough. Now, of course I didn’t really believe that I could change the situation but my body and my mind seemed to have!
Through the thickness of the thoughts, came a light, a Bible verse that had been hidden in my heart and made it’s way through. “Take every thought captive.” That’s exactly what I needed to do! But, how? Another glimmer, “surrender.” Yes, I needed to do that! And although I’ve heard this word my whole life, I realized I needed something tangible. I needed more than a word that I’m ashamed to say I’ve thrown around as an answer to someone’s problems, “girl you need to surrender that to the Lord.” I needed to know how to take the thought captive, how to surrender “it.” People, including myself, made it sound so simple. But was it really? Because it sure doesn’t feel that way. The weight of these worries and the buzzing of these thoughts feel too complicated to flee with simplicity. Slowly over the course of a few weeks as I was in and out of the hospital with my son, God revealed to me just how simple surrender can be.
I’m not going to keep you in suspense. I’m going to tell you the secret right away. Here it goes….ready for it…..(ok, I had to add a little suspense to it.) 1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourself under God’s mighty hand and He will lift you up in due time. 1. Humble yourself, admit that you are not in control. 2. Under God’s mighty hand, admit that God is in control. 3. He will lift you up in due time, trust in His timing, His perfect, all-knowing timing. You want more don’t you? I did too. So here is where I was lead to from there. Surrender is SIM- P- LE. Not a typo, stick with me.
Surrender = Surrender It Mindfully- Pray- Live Expectantly.
(Picture my eyes wide, leaning closer to you with a great big smile on my face.) That’s good right!? If you aren’t quite as excited as I am yet, you will be. Watch how this plays out when the swarm of (mosquitos) thoughts attack.
Journal and pen required.
Surrender It Mindfully: Write down everything that’s in your mind. All your thoughts. The good, bad and ugly. This isn’t only for worries. It’s for when we become aware of sin, a stronghold, a lie we have been believing. Or a burden we’ve been carrying. For times when we realize we are trying to take control of God’s plan. We can surrender it all. The part that’s important about this step is that you are admitting it and you are getting it out into the light. As you physically write down your thoughts, you are getting them out of your head. They can no longer sit and fester in the dark. Name “it.” Write it down. And ask yourself, how has this been taking the place of God? “I’m worried about the surgery. I’m afraid he won’t do well under the anesthesia. I’m not sure I can handle the stress. I’m afraid I’ll pass out. If anxiety takes over I won’t be able to be all Levi needs me to be etc. etc. etc.” You have a God who cares about the details of your life. He wants you to bring everything to Him, not just your praise but your hurts, disappointments and burdens. Psalm 139:7 “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me; your right hand will hold me fast.”
Pray: Offer your heart and your mind to God. You’ve just spilled your guts. Now it’s time to let it go. Tell God He can have it all. Take some time in quiet. Lift your pen off your paper and see what God has for you. There may be a Bible verse or a song that comes to mind, write it down. I often find myself apologizing at this point. “I’m sorry Lord, for trying to handle this on my own. I’m sorry for forgetting about your good and perfect plan.” And then confessing how desperately I need Him and acknowledging that He is enough. My heart feels lighter even as I walk you through this. Breathe in God’s grace and mercies. Now you can ask Him for what you need. And thank Him for everything He has already done.
Live Expectantly: Do you believe He has taken “it” from you? Then thank Him before you even know how He will work it out. Tell him how you plan to walk out your faith in Him. Is there action you will be taking? “Lord, as I walk through the hospital doors tomorrow, I will keep my eyes on you. And when I start to worry I will say your name instead. I will ask for other people to pray and I will trust in your mighty plan. Thank you for taking it all. As I watch you work I will give you my burden. Thank you for taking my yoke. Thank you for walking alongside of me and giving me rest.” Ephesians 3:20 says, “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power of work with us.” Praise Him for all that He is doing AND going to do.
It’s been about a year and a half since I started using this as a guide. Honestly, the more I use it the simpler surrendering becomes. But that isn’t because of this guide, it’s by the grace of God. However, having this guide has certainly helped. I guess you could say I’ve gotten to know Him more as He takes me on this journey of surrender. I used this story to show you how I use the plan. But I use it all the time. I’ve used it during conflict with my husband, trouble with my kids. I’ve used it when I woke up with a dream I had had that seemed too real, (I needed to let that go!) I’ve used it when I was confused about whether or not I should stay at my job. Point is I I have a lot I need to surrender;) And that this guide can be used on a daily basis not only for the big events. There really is no right or wrong way to surrender. As you humble yourself under God’s mighty hand and as He lifts you up in due time, I am confident you will feel the sweet release of freedom from control. As you do, enjoy getting to know Him better too.
Here is a gift from me to you. A journaling guide to simple surrender. If you’re like me, you’ll need to print off a bunch. I find myself surrendering daily….who am I kidding by the minute;) Enjoy!
Made New Style 