I vividly remember responding to an alter call at Summer camp when I was about 10 years old. I stood among my peers, hands held high belting with all my heart these words as a promise and declaration of devotion to the Lord…
“I surrender all
I surrender all
All to Thee my blessed Savior
I surrender all”
To surrender means to “abandon oneself entirely.” It’s an act of submission to the authority and will of God wherein we cease resisting and hand over control of our will, our plan, and ultimately our lives. If we have never met in person, let me tell you a little bit about myself. Hello, my name is Jen and I’m a control freak! Plans are a safety net where I abide and thrive. Surrender does not come easily for any of us, especially a Type A, Enneagram 8w7, commanding personality like me.
Little 10-year-old Jen had no idea what surrender meant. My beautifully naive heart must have imagined the call of God as a “tip toe through the tulips” as my husband loves to say. But there have been many storms. Each storm has been used by God to produce life, character, & endurance in me. In hindsight I wouldn’t change a thing, but that doesn’t mean it comes easy. I’m learning to trust the authority and will of God as I navigate the storms of life.
Recently I added a daily chapter of Psalms and Proverbs to my morning time with Jesus. The striking imagery in Psalm 29 has captivated my heart this week, especially as it relates to trusting God in the storms. In this chapter David demonstrates the power, authority, and strength of God over water, nature, trees, mountains, fire, & flood. His symbolism culminates in verses 10 and 11 which read…
“The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
the Lord sits enthroned, King forever.
The Lord gives his people strength;
the Lord blesses his people with peace.” Psalm 29: 10-11 CSB
No matter what you and I are facing in life at this very moment we can be encouraged that we serve a God who sits enthroned over our storms. There is nothing in heaven or on earth with the power to circumvent His ultimate authority and power. He is King forever and He is trustworthy!
The promise David relays so eloquently in verse 11 is that the Lord gives strength and peace to His people in the storm. As we abandon ourselves entirely to His perfect will and authority (aka. surrender), we can rest confidently that our God is in control. He hasn’t abandoned us or been surprised by our circumstances. He is allowing the storms in our lives to produce endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope (Romans 5: 3b-4).
As you navigate the storm you are facing, rest in the strength and peace that God provides and trust Him. Abide in His presence for He is faithful to restore, heal, and equip. Memorize these verses and remind yourself that He who is King forever has all authority, dominion, and power over all circumstances. He is trustworthy!
Questions for reflection, prayer, & journaling
-What does surrender look like in your life in this season?
-As you meditate on Psalm 29, what encourages you the most?
-How do you see God moving in your storm?
Naked in the Potter's Hand 