Clinging to Surrender

Father, if this is my will, if this is my pride. If this is my strength and might, and skill and determination. Then, LORD, take it from me. For it is better for it to be tossed into the sea like a great millstone than for it to stand tall in rebellion against You. And that is what it does, LORD, it stands against You. So take it from me. I surrender it to You. All of it.

Because it’s my stubborn refusal to believe You will provide that keeps me from receiving from You. And it’s my persuasion to self that I must somehow remain in control that keeps me from abiding in You. Oh LORD, when I deny Your promises for me, it’s my determination that proves my stance of disbelief and keeps me from You again and again. So LORD, take it from me, my stubborn pride, my determination and persistant persuasion, my very will, all of it. I surrender it to You, LORD. I must surrender it. Help me to surrender it so You can take over.

For I am willing, but my soul is unable. My desire is there, but I am unable, grossly unable. LORD, I need You, even in this.

And the moment I see my need, I can hear You declare, right to my soul, “as the loincloth clings to the waist of a man, so I made the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah to cling to me, declares the LORD, that they might be for me a people, a name, a praise, and a glory, but they would not listen” (Jeremiah 13:11).

Oh, LORD, help me to listen. Teach me to cling tightly to You. Help me to hear your call to me, that I may cling tightly. Oh, that I may cling tightly to You and You alone, surrendering my will, all of it, into Your hands. For I need You.

Amen.

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“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30 ESV

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.” - Psalm 23:1-3 ESV