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To “surrender,” whether in prayer, thought, or deed, is to yield our will to a higher purpose, relinquishing control over the outcomes we try to dictate. This age-old practice, deeply rooted in Scripture, carries a common thread of peace and release. Surrender aligns us with the essence of our relationship with God—the acknowledgment of His power and the humble submission to His will. Here are eight acts of surrender that will allow you to put God first every day.
1. Start with Morning Meditation and Prayer
Each morning marks the beginning of a new day, a fresh chance to either rush into busyness or start with a sense of calm. By dedicating the first moments of our day to meditation and prayer, we offer the day itself to God’s guidance. In these peaceful moments, verses from passages like Psalms 143:8 (NIV) can soothe our souls: “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.”
2. Relinquish Control
Life often feels like we’re the main characters in our own stories, facing unexpected twists and turns at every corner. In surrender, we recognize a bigger picture and a more profound Author behind it all. We release the grip on our lives and trust that God’s plan is perfect. The words of Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) tell us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Through these words, our lives intertwine with His divine story.
3. Cultivate Gratitude
A grateful heart sets the stage for surrender. Every day offers countless reasons to be thankful, whether it’s for the beauty of life itself or the small blessings we receive throughout each day. True gratitude helps us see the goodness of God’s provision all around us. “Give thanks in all circumstances,” advises 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV), “for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
4. Reflect on Scripture
The Scriptures provide wisdom, solace, and new insights. Engaging with the Word of God allows for a dialog between our hearts and God’s. Whether through daily devotionals or personal readings, Scripture guides us in action, thought, and character. The psalmist, in Psalm 119:105 (NIV), declares, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” With His truth shining on our path, surrendering becomes clearer, and we can walk forward with confidence.
5. Seek Solitude
Intentional silence positions us to hear the gentle whisper of the Holy Spirit. Solitary moments do not have to be long; they only need to be treated as sacred. Like Elijah in the cave, we learn that it is not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in the still, small voice that God’s presence is most palpably felt (1 Kings 19:11-13, NIV).
6. Extend a Helping Hand
Serving others becomes an offering of love—a love that mirrors Jesus’ example. Through acts of kindness, whether it’s a grand gesture or a small deed, we reflect God’s heart. As Mark 10:45 (NLT) reminds us, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” In each selfless act, we surrender our comforts for others, thereby putting God’s priorities into practice.
7. Extend Forgiveness
Striving to understand the depth of God’s forgiveness, we choose to pardon those who have wronged us. Through forgiveness, we rid ourselves of bitterness and align our hearts with God’s. The Lord’s Prayer, found in Matthew 6:14-15 (ESV), emphasizes this, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
8. Practice Nightly Reflection
The end of the day is a perfect time for reflection. It is here, whether in the tranquility that peace offers or amidst the echoes of the day’s chaos, that we confront our surrender to God’s guidance. In Psalm 4:4 (NIV), David urges us, “Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.” This introspection becomes a conversation with God, a soul-searching that strengthens our commitment and sets the stage for tomorrow’s surrender.
Listen now to a short segment of this meditation from Abide based on Mark 10:45. This addresses step 6 above about extending a helping hand.
Making space for acts of surrender requires intention and practice. Begin with small, actionable steps, gradually weaving them into your daily routine, like setting aside a specific time for daily Scripture reading, or making a conscious effort to offer a prayer of gratitude each time you have a meal. These acts, deliberate and repeated, transform the mundane into sacred offerings of surrender.
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Share the post "8 Simple Acts of Surrender That Will Help You Put God First Every Day "
