How to Surrender to God Completely: A Comprehensive Guide to Trusting His Plan
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Surrender to God is a concept that resonates deeply with believers, as it encapsulates the act of yielding one’s will to the divine will of the Creator. It is an invitation to trust God fully, to release control over our lives, and to embrace the path that He has set before us. This surrender is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of letting go of our desires, fears, and uncertainties, and allowing God’s plan to unfold in our lives.
In Hebrew, the word for surrender or submission is “הִכְנָעָה” (hichna’ah), which implies a deep sense of yielding or submitting to a higher authority. This concept is interwoven throughout the biblical narrative, where figures from both the Old and New Testaments demonstrate their trust in God’s sovereign will.
In this post, we’ll explore the biblical basis for surrender, the challenges we face in surrendering, practical steps to cultivate this spiritual discipline, and the transformative impact it has on every area of our lives.
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Understanding the Concept of Surrender to God
The Biblical Basis of Surrender
Old Testament Examples
The concept of surrender is vividly portrayed in the Hebrew Scriptures or Tanakh. One of the most profound examples is the story of Abraham and the binding of Isaac, known as the “Akedah” in Hebrew (Genesis 22). God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac, a test of faith that required absolute trust and surrender.
Abraham’s willingness to obey, even when it seemed to contradict God’s promise, exemplifies the ultimate act of surrender. As Abraham raised the knife, an angel of the Lord intervened, and a ram was provided as a substitute, reaffirming God’s provision and faithfulness.
Similarly, Moses’ life is a testament to surrender. Despite his initial reluctance, Moses submitted to God’s call to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. His journey, filled with many challenges, required continual surrender to God’s guidance, from confronting Pharaoh to leading the Israelites through the wilderness (Exodus 3-4).
New Testament Teachings
In the New Testament, Yeshua (Jesus) models the perfect example of surrender to God. In the Garden of Gethsemane, facing the agony of crucifixion, Yeshua prayed:
“My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will”.
Matthew 26:39, TLV
This prayer encapsulates the heart of surrender—placing God’s will above personal desire, even in the face of immense suffering.
The Apostle Paul also teaches about surrender in his epistles. In Romans 12:1, he urges believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. This act of offering oneself fully to God is the essence of spiritual worship, a daily commitment to live in alignment with God’s will.
The Emotional and Spiritual Challenges of Surrender
Why Surrendering is Difficult
Surrendering to God is challenging because it requires us to relinquish control, something that human nature resists. We often fear the unknown and cling to our plans, convinced that we know what is best for our lives. This resistance is often deeply rooted in pride and a lack of trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty.
Another challenge is the influence of the world, which values self-reliance and autonomy. We are constantly bombarded with messages that glorify independence, making it difficult to embrace the biblical principle of dependence on God. Also, past experiences of pain or disappointment can make it hard to trust God fully, leading to doubt and hesitation in surrendering to Him.
Overcoming Fear and Doubt
Overcoming the fear and doubt that hinders surrender requires a deepening of our faith and trust in God. The Hebrew word “בִּטָחוֹן” (bitachon) translates to trust or confidence, and it is this trust that enables us to surrender. By meditating on God’s faithfulness in Scripture and in our lives, we can build this trust.
Psalm 46:10 reminds us:
“Be still, and know that I am God,”
TLV
This encourages us to quiet our anxious hearts and acknowledge His sovereignty. Additionally, prayer is a powerful tool in overcoming fear and doubt. Through prayer, we can express our fears to God and invite His peace, which surpasses all understanding, to guard our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6-7).
Steps to Surrendering to God
Identifying Areas of Resistance
The first step in surrendering to God is identifying areas in our lives where we resist His will. This requires honest self-reflection and a willingness to confront the parts of our lives that we’ve kept from God’s control. Are there specific fears, ambitions, or relationships that we have not fully entrusted to Him? By acknowledging these areas, we can begin the process of surrender.
Journaling can be a helpful practice in this step, allowing us to articulate our struggles and fears. Through this, we can gain clarity on what we need to surrender and seek God’s help in doing so.
Building Trust in God’s Plan
Once we’ve identified areas of resistance, the next step is to build trust in God’s plan. Trust is cultivated through spending time in God’s Word and reflecting on His promises. Scriptures such as Jeremiah 29:11, which assures us that God has plans for our welfare, can strengthen our trust in His goodness and sovereignty.
For I know the plans that I have in mind for you,” declares Adonai, “plans for shalom and not calamity—to give you a future and a hope.
jeremiah 29:11 TLV
Additionally, reflecting on past experiences where God has been faithful can give us confidence in His plan. By remembering how He has guided and provided for us in the past, we can trust that He will continue to do so.
Daily Practices for Cultivating Surrender
Surrender is a daily practice that requires intentionality. One effective practice is starting each day with a prayer of surrender, asking God to guide our steps and help us to trust His will throughout the day. This aligns our hearts with God’s purposes and sets the tone for a day of surrender.
Another practice is mindfulness—being aware of moments when we are tempted to take control and consciously choosing to surrender those moments to God. Whether it’s a difficult decision, a challenging conversation, or an unexpected event, we can practice surrender by pausing, praying, and trusting God’s guidance.
How Surrender Impacts Different Areas of Life
Surrendering Relationships
Surrendering our relationships to God means entrusting them to His care and seeking His will in them. This can be challenging, especially when it involves letting go of control or expectations in our interactions with others. It requires us to love others as God loves them and to trust Him with the outcomes of our relationships.
In marriage, for example, surrender might involve prioritizing your spouse’s needs over your own, trusting God to work in your marriage even when it’s difficult. In friendships, it might mean being vulnerable and honest, trusting that God will use those relationships for mutual growth and encouragement.
Surrendering Finances
Financial surrender involves trusting God as the ultimate provider and stewarding resources according to His principles. This might include tithing, giving generously, and being content with what we have. It’s about recognizing that all we have comes from God and trusting Him to meet our needs.
Yeshua teaches about the importance of surrendering finances in Matthew 6:19-21, where He urges us to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. This perspective shift helps us to prioritize God’s kingdom over material wealth and to trust Him with our financial security.
Surrendering Health and Well-Being
Surrendering our health and well-being to God means trusting Him with our bodies and health outcomes. This can be particularly challenging in times of illness or uncertainty. However, it’s an invitation to rely on God’s strength and to trust that He is sovereign over our health.
This surrender also involves making choices that honor God with our bodies, as we are reminded in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. By surrendering our health to God, we acknowledge His authority over our physical well-being and trust Him to guide us in caring for our bodies.
Biblical Stories of Surrender
Abraham’s Sacrifice
The story of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22) is one of the most powerful examples of surrender in the Bible. Abraham’s faith in God’s promises was so strong that he was willing to obey even when the command seemed to contradict those promises. His surrender was rewarded with God’s provision of a ram in Isaac’s place, demonstrating that God honors our trust and surrender with His faithfulness.
Mary’s Acceptance of God’s Will
Myriam (Hebrew for Mary), the mother of Yeshua, is another profound example of surrender. When the angel Gabriel announced that she would bear the Messiah, Mary responded with humility and trust:
“Behold, the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word”
Luke 1:38 TLV
Mary’s surrender to God’s will, despite the hardships she would experience, exemplifies the courage and faith required to fully trust God.
Example of Surrender – Rabbi Akiva
Rabbi Akiva, one of the most revered sages in Jewish history, exemplifies ultimate surrender to God, even in the face of death. During the Bar Kochba revolt against Roman rule in the 2nd century CE, Rabbi Akiva was arrested for defying the Roman ban on teaching Torah.
Despite knowing the consequences, he continued to teach because of his deep commitment to God’s commandments.
According to tradition, Rabbi Akiva was tortured by the Romans, and as he was being executed, he recited the Shema from Deuteronomy 6:4 and the central declaration of Jewish faith:
“Shema Israel, ADONAI Eloheinu, ADONAI Echad.”
tlv
“Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.
His final words were an expression of his complete surrender to God’s will, even in the face of unimaginable suffering. Rabbi Akiva’s martyrdom is a powerful testament to the depth of his faith and his unwavering trust in God’s plan.
The Role of Prayer and Worship in Surrender
Prayers for Surrender
Prayer is a vital tool in the process of surrender. Through prayer, we communicate our fears, desires, and struggles to God, inviting Him to take control. A prayer of surrender might include asking God to help us trust Him more deeply or to guide us in a specific area of our lives where we struggle to let go.
Incorporating prayers of surrender into daily life helps to reinforce our commitment to God’s will. It’s through these prayers that we invite God’s presence into every aspect of our lives, asking Him to align our hearts with His purposes.
Worship as a Path to Letting Go
Worship also plays a crucial role in surrendering to God. When we worship, we acknowledge God’s greatness and our dependence on Him. Worship shifts our focus from ourselves to God, making it easier to let go of our desires and trust in His plan.
Singing hymns or contemporary worship songs that focus on God’s sovereignty and faithfulness can be especially powerful in fostering a spirit of surrender. As we declare God’s goodness through worship, our hearts are softened, and we become more willing to release control to Him.
Common Misconceptions About Surrender
Surrender vs. Passivity
A common misconception about surrender is that it equates to passivity. However, surrendering to God does not mean giving up responsibility or action. Instead, it involves active trust and obedience to God’s will. We are called to work diligently and make wise decisions, but we do so with an attitude of surrender, acknowledging that God is ultimately in control.
The Myth of Instant Results
Another misconception is that surrendering to God will lead to instant results or immediate understanding of His plan. In reality, surrender often requires patience and perseverance. God’s timing is not our own, and surrendering means trusting Him even when the results are not immediate or clear.
As Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, God’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours, and His plans unfold in His perfect timing.
Prayers for Surrender
Morning Prayer of Surrender Heavenly Father, I come before You today with a heart open to Your will. I surrender my plans, my desires, and my fears to You. Guide my steps and help me to trust in Your perfect plan for my life. Teach me to lean not on my own understanding, but to acknowledge You in all my ways. May Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard my heart and mind in Messiah Yeshua. Amen.
Prayer for Trust in Difficult Times Abba, Father, in moments of uncertainty and fear, I find it hard to let go of control. Help me to surrender these feelings to You. Remind me that You are my refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Strengthen my faith, and give me the courage to trust in Your timing and Your ways. May I find rest in Your promises and peace in Your presence. Amen.
Evening Prayer of Reflection Lord, as I look back on this day, I reflect on the moments where I struggled to surrender to Your will. Forgive me for holding onto control when I should have let go. Thank You for the times You guided me, even when I didn’t realize it. I surrender the outcomes of this day to You, trusting that You will work all things for good. Help me to rest tonight in the assurance of Your love and faithfulness. Amen.
Prayer of Commitment Lord, I commit my life to You. I surrender my heart, my mind, and my soul into Your hands. Use me as You see fit. Let my life be a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to You. I trust in Your plan, even when I cannot see the path ahead. Fill me with Your Spirit, that I may walk in obedience and faith, reflecting Your love to the world. In the name of Yeshua, I pray. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- Identifying Resistance:
- What areas of your life do you find hardest to surrender to God?
- Why do you think you resist surrendering these areas?
- Trusting God’s Plan:
- Reflect on a time when you trusted God with a difficult situation. How did He work in that situation?
- What promises of God can you hold onto when you find it difficult to trust?
- Daily Surrender:
- How can you incorporate surrender into your daily routine?
- What specific practices or prayers can help you start each day with a heart of surrender?
- Surrender in Relationships:
- Are there relationships in your life where you struggle to trust God’s control?
- How can you practice surrendering these relationships to God?
- Overcoming Fear and Doubt:
- What fears or doubts prevent you from fully surrendering to God?
- How can you address these fears through prayer, Scripture, or seeking counsel from others?
- Biblical Examples:
- Reflect on the stories of Abraham and Mary. What can you learn from their examples of surrender?
- How can you apply their trust and obedience in your own life?
- Long-Term Surrender:
- Surrender is not a one-time event but a continuous process. What steps can you take to ensure you are regularly surrendering to God?
- How do you think long-term surrender will impact your relationship with God and others?
These prayers and reflection questions are designed to deepen your understanding and practice of surrendering to God, helping you to align your life more closely with His will.
My Final Thoughts: Embracing a Life of Surrender to God
Surrendering to God is a lifelong journey of trust, obedience, and reliance on His grace. It involves letting go of our own plans and desires, and allowing God’s will to take precedence in our lives.
As we surrender, we experience the peace and freedom that comes from trusting in God’s perfect plan. Whether through prayer, worship, or daily acts of obedience, surrendering to God leads us into deeper relationship with Him and transforms every aspect of our lives. Embracing a life of surrender is not always easy, but it is the path to true fulfillment and joy in God’s presence.
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Tree of Life (TLV) – Scripture taken from the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version*. Copyright © 2014,2016 by the Tree of Life Bible Society. Used by permission of the Tree of Life Bible Society.