I give up

29 Comments 06 December 2011

At the Hillsong concert last week (that’s hubby and me there in the pic), we raised our hands in surrender as we worshipped over two hours straight. My shoulders and arms grew tired from all that giving up. But as I look back on it, I wonder what it all really meant. Did I mean my surrender? Or was this just another rote ritual that may look cool and Jesusy, but now lacks its substance because my heart feels distant.

My life’s been too full. And if I’m honest, it’s been too full of myself, my agenda, my desires.

As I type this, I truly want to raise my heart to Jesus in surrender. I want to give it all up. To let go of my clutches on my worries and truly let God hold them forever.

Because I’m tired of holding on, gripping worries so tight they scream.

I’m tired of control. Tired of finagling. Tired of wondering what will work and what won’t. Tired of fretting about my kids. Tired of stressing about my friendships. Worn out from second guessing myself. Overwhelmed by how much I stress about money.

I need the freedom that comes from truly, truly letting go and giving it all up.

How about you? Do you feel that way too? Do you feel distant, needy, stressed? Join me as I pray:

Jesus, I am tired. So very, very tired. I don’t want to fake surrender any more. I want to truly surrender, to give up, to let You take the broken pieces and the stress of my life into Your capable lap. Forgive me for micromanaging my life and my worries. Forgive me for trying to live this crazy life in my small strength. Forgive me for making control my god. I lay it all down–worries, money, people, Christmas, grief. Please take it now. I give up. And I choose in this moment to entrust it all to You. If I snatch it back, please remind me that I’ve already given it to You. Amen.

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http://alliwantisonlyeverything.blogspot.com/ Liz Rasley

Distant AND needy, yep, that’s exactly how I’m feeling.
Good to know that I am not the only one! Count me in too, as really surrendering!
Elizabeth

Wasn’t that a great concert? I was there too! Loved how Hillsong talked about what it means to surrender while singing the paise songs. Speaking of letting it go, do you remember the song by Sierra called, When I Let It Go?
elise

Love this Mary! And you and your hubby are adorable. I know it sounds a little dramatic, but I am so distractable, that I’ve had to put myself in a literal posture to get to full submission. Years ago, I felt God whisper to me one Christmas. I was on the
brink of hysteria from all the stress of trying to deliver the perfect,
all your dreams come true Christmas to my family. Inner words, cries,
screams were threatening to come out of my mouth, an action I knew I’d
regret as soon as they hit the air. I heard a gentle whisper, “Get down
on the floor and submit.” Well I didn’t at the time. It just seemed to weird, but I kept the thought, which helped. Throughout the next year, I kept hearing about lying face down on the floor to pray, worship, submit to the Lord. Lots of people were talking about it (Priscilla Shirer, Beth Moore, even a virtual stranger mentioned it to me). Finally I gave in. Okay! I’ll do it…I began just lying face down on the floor to pray. And I ended my little session with a prayer based on Charles Stanley’s 6 Ss (www.InTouch.org). This helped me draw nearer to God…time to start hitting the floor again! Here’s the prayer
Lord, I Surrender all that I am, do, think, to you today.
Please make me SENSITIVE to your Holy Spirit.
Allow me Lord to remember I can pray without ceasing today, turning toward SUPPLICATION in the moment.
To read and recall your Words through SCRIPTURE.
To be willing to say no to myself, be more concerned about someone else and engage in a little SELF-DENIAL.
And to remember that I can SERVE this day in some way.
In Jesus name, Amen!

http://www.marydemuth.com Mary DeMuth

Beautiful story! Yes, being facedown helps!

Michelle Franklin

Amen!
Mjsplint3

This prayer is one I need to pray daily….anyone else?
http://faithcoloredglasses.com LauraLee

Oh yes, dear sister. I’ll give up control with you. Yes, I will.

http://www.marydemuth.com Mary DeMuth

Woot!

http://www.culturesmithconsulting.com cherylsmith

Have had this tab open in my browser for a while and just now getting to read it. Perfect God timing. Surrendering my tight grip on life as I know it, in exchange for my sure uncertainty of life as He intends it. Perfectly safe.

http://www.marydemuth.com Mary DeMuth

Glad the timing worked out!

http://einefeistyberg.wordpress.com Cherry Odelberg

I seem to live at peace, in serenity, much more consistently, when I am living alone and not working a full time job (for someone else). Now, to capture this; really give it up to God, and have the peace and trust when I AM in familial and work relationships!

http://www.marydemuth.com Mary DeMuth

Yes, that’s harder to capture when we’re busy and busied.

T Forkner

Yes! I totally get it. It’s easier to say I’m surrendering to Him than to actually do it. I’m so glad Jesus gives me grace in that area. I sure need it.

http://www.marydemuth.com Mary DeMuth

I do too.

Danielle Jones

Oh, how I needed this… and not just for today. I’m going to print out that prayer and carry it with me. I have been struggling… grasping at my hair-thin strength and thinking I can manage. Yeah, right. I see the touches of God all around me, the whispers to my spirit to give up…. give in and surrender. Thank you for being the extra that tipped the scale this morning. Blessings to you, sister!

http://www.marydemuth.com Mary DeMuth

Hooray for printing prayers!

Michelle Sarabia

Wait let me see…yep, theirs a footprint on my “behind” from where I just got kicked!! Love this reminder Mary. I am drinking this in and soaking in the Presence of knowing He is in control.

Anonymous

I must have been standing next to you when you got your kicking… cause mine left a bruise.. as it SHOULD have! Drinking and soaking with you… grateful that HIS control is best.

http://www.marydemuth.com Mary DeMuth

Amen, His control is best.

http://www.marydemuth.com Mary DeMuth

Sorry about the footprint!

http://coachradio.tv/ Justin Lukasavige

Wow, this is right where I am today, Mary. I’m wound tight, holding on to things I have no business holding on to. You’re right in that I need to let go.