~ Surrendered ~
Merriam-Webster defines 'surrender' this way:
To yield to the power of another
Agreeing to give up battling another
To give oneself up to the power or influence of another
Unknown photographer
Surrender is a verb, an action we have to deliberately choose. We, therefore, must make an active choice to yield, agree, give up battling and give ourselves over to the influence and wisdom of our Father God.
Have you thought about this aspect of surrender to put everything into His hands? In your work day, in your home, in your garden or in your leisure time?
Cosmos Photo by RoseNaomi 2020
Learning how to surrender to God can be very challenging especially if we love to be right, try harder to succeed, do things our way, get our own way, and fight for what we think we should do or have for ourselves.
While I fully agree that we are told to 'study and show ourselves approved', 2 Timothy 2:15, and there is wisdom in learning and doing, that shouldn’t be the first or only method we employ.
Our primary step should be seeking God to learn how to further surrender ourselves to Him. We can make that first step by opening our hearts and the Bible to learn to trust Him more and first. Do you agree?
"Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and do not lean upon your own understanding; be mindful of Him in all your ways, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear Yahweh and turn away from evil." Proverbs 3:5-7
As I close, I am reminded of the classic 6-verse hymn penned by Frances R. Havergal, in 1874. Maybe you recall and will sing through this verse with me ...
"Take my will, and make it Thine;
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart; it is Thine own;
It shall be Thy royal throne,
It shall be Thy royal throne."
This entire hymn is a beautiful prayer that God would both draw us closer in true surrender to Himself and use us by His power to bring others to Him. God calls us to a life of influence for His glory and both our and our neighbours' good! I believe that our joy-filled response should and must only be, “I surrender All to Thee.” Let's do this!
As always, I truly appreciate your comments and the time you take the time to read my Joy Journal Jottings!
--
RoseNaomi
I once made a large cake for a voice recital with the muscial notes from that hymn. Thank you for the reminder. I believe one stanza is Take my life and let it be, consecrated Lord to Thee... Another is Take my voice and let me sing, always, only for my King...Do you have the book "Then Sings My Soul" which tells the history of the hymn?
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful that cake must have been! I will have to check for, 'Then Sings My Soul' in my library ... I don't have my books properly recorded here. I have another of hers, 'Kept For The Master's Use' which is all about the furtherance of this precious hymn. Have you seen my video on it? Here is the link if you have not: https://youtu.be/A7eN96h7stM
DeleteThe complilation of hymns I have is by Robert J. Morgan. That book sounds fantastic as what I read tells of her surrendering silver/gold and her voice, which she saw as secular. Will check out link later.
DeleteOkay, that sounds wonderful!
DeleteListened. Do you sing outside of your home? I believe that cake I made had rose frosting flower musical notes.
DeleteI oftentimes sing at churches, indoor and outdoor events along with retirement and nursing homes and at presentations I give for God's glory.
DeleteYour cake sounds very beautiful!