The Practice of Surrender

Dear Southport Congregational Church,

For many years, I “gave up” chocolate or coffee or wine for Lent. These are things that I enjoy, and it was in keeping with the Lenten practice I grew up with, of denying self. This year I decided to “take on” the practice of surrender. Or more precisely, surrendering my concerns to God. Let go and let God is how the practice is commonly known. Probably because the word surrender has negative connotations. But I am fully embracing the idea of surrendering it all to our loving God. You may be thinking that surrender is giving up or giving in? Isn’t it a sign of weakness? 

I suggest that surrendering is a powerful show of trust in God’s goodness and care for us. We can trust in God the way we trust spring follows winter, the waves will reach the shore and the sun will rise each day.  We can move forward with faith rather than fear. Worry is useless and it steals our joy.  I read somewhere that the Bible tells us 365 times not to worry. I don’t know if that is true, but I do know that some of my favorite scripture verses are about not worrying or being fearful. 

“Do not fear for I have redeemed you. I have called you as mine.” Isaiah 43:1b

“Have I not commanded you to be brave and strong.” Joshua 1:9

Do not worry… 

It’s easier to trust in God with all our hearts when we are in one of those smooth, sweet spots in life when things are going our way. It’s harder when life doesn’t make sense and we feel we have lost control. But when we view challenges as opportunities for growth and surrender them to God, it can unleash his miracle working power in our lives. That is a glorious thing.

With love,
Janet Reed (Deacon)