Walking in Trust: The Power of Daily Surrender to God

Let’s begin by looking at the Biblical definition of surrender. Surrender, in a biblical context, refers to the act of yielding or submitting to the authority and will of God. It involves a relinquishment of personal control and a trust in God’s sovereignty and plan. Surrender is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, emphasizing obedience, humility, and faith.” Topical Encyclopedia

To be able to surrender to someone, we need to know they are willing and capable of fulfilling trust.

The first step in surrender, is taking that step of faith. That can be hard even though we are willing to do it. Learning more about how to surrender, can help us gain trust in the process.

Daniel in the Bible, is a good example of true surrender to God. He was on his knees 3 times a day giving him the power to stay in God’s fellowship

Daniel lived such a Godly life, that the other leaders couldn’t find a way to trip him up when they became jealous of his leadership. The only way they could find a problem was by creating one. Appealing to the King’s ego, they convinced him to make a decree for no one to worship anyone or thing except the King himself.

When Daniel heard of the decree, he didn’t complain to the King. He immediately went home and prayed his regular time to the Lord in front of an open window. Of course, he was found out and was reported to the King.

The King was very unhappy because he had a lot of respect for Daniel but he could not go back on his word. Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den overnight. Miraculously, Daniel survived by God’s grace.

That would take a lot of trust to go through that experience. Daniel did not know how it would end.

We will be discussing how we can fully surrender to God:

• Resistance
• What Does the Bible Say About Surrender?
• Practical Steps to Aid Surrender
• Conclusion

Resistance

Romans 8:7-8 NIV “The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.”

The flesh in the Bible is referring to our natural state as humans. When we are in the flesh, we are not submitting to God.

This verse tells us when we are not submitting to God, this is how we react to the things of God:

• We are hostile to God.
• We do not submit to God’s way.
• We are not able to submit.
• We cannot please God.

When we have a worldly attitude and sin in our life, we are not surrendering to God. It’s normal in this state to resist.

Confessing sin will correct this attitude and restore us to God’s way.

What Does the Bible Say About Surrender?

Luke 9:23-24 NIV “Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.”

In this chapter of Luke, the Lord describes what surrender is:

• Deny ourselves (Put the Lord first).
• Take up our cross daily (surrender), follow Him, daily.
• Living for the world, causes you to lose the qualities of a Godly life.
• Following Jesus’ way brings joy, peace, and life.

Practical Steps to Aid Surrender

Seek the Lord’s Kingdom First: Matthew 6:33 NIV “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

When we follow the Lord, our needs are met. Seeking His kingdom daily, means focusing on what He wants us to do. When we have this mindset, surrender becomes much easier. What has God given you to do today?

Pray: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Starting fresh in the morning with prayer can make a big difference in your attitude. Talking to the Lord in praise and thankfulness takes your mind off of yourself and puts it where it should be.

It also can be a release as you tell Him what’s bothering you. He wants to hear about it and this can draw you nearer to Him. Surrender to Him and watch your joy flow.

Read the Bible: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 

The best way to know what the Lord wants you to do is by reading the Bible. Through reading, you learn all about God and how He operates.

The relationship with God is like other relationships. You need to have time together and open communication. Learning God’s way leads to successful surrender.

Confess Sin: 1 John 1:9 NIV “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

This verse tells us:

• Confess your known sins
• He’s faithful, just and will forgive your sins.
• He will cleanse you from all unrighteousness (unknown sin)

This keeps the communication free and flowing. When we have an attitude of sin, it blocks fellowship with the Lord. We no longer are surrendering.

Resist the Devil: James 4:7 NIV “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Don’t give in to Satan and his temptations: 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

God will provide a way for you to overcome temptation. He will give you a way out. Call on Him and He’ll help you.

Conclusion

Surrendering daily comes from practice. The practice is about learning to trust God for everything.

As we grow spiritually, surrender becomes a way of life that is only broken by living our way. God wants to show us the best way to live, so we can have a rich life in Him.

Look up the word surrender in a concordance in the back of your Bible or Bible Gateway Concordance for further study.

God is ready to bless you for your obedience.

Proverbs 3:1-2 NIV “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.”