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Three different times in my life I have moved to a brand-new city, by myself. There has always been an element of excitement with starting a new adventure, but the looming fear was always the same: I’m starting over. I have to build a brand-new community of friends. Surrendering your heart again and again knowing it might get broken takes courage.
Getting to know God and learning to trust Him can be a lot like getting to know a new friend, colleague, or even romantic interest. It takes time and vulnerability. And for many of us, it can be hard to fully open up and trust someone, especially someone you can’t physically see.
Steps to Opening Your Heart
Decide to Get to Know God
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” – 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)
Surrendering your heart to the Lord may take time, but the best way to start is simply to get to know Him, just as you would a new friend or neighbor. Through Scripture, you can learn the heart and character of God. As you read the stories of God’s people, you will learn of His compassion and grace, His kindness and mercy. As you get to know Him, the idea of surrendering your heart to the Lord will come more from a place of freedom than of fear.
Surrender Your Heart
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and He will make straight your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
As you learn more about God’s character and experience His love, the time will come when you are ready to surrender your heart to Him. Trust Him because He is trustworthy. Lean on Him because He is good. Acknowledge Him because He makes your paths straight. And as you surrender, you will see the Lord’s transforming work in your life.
Begin to be Transformed by God’s Love
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
Walking with God on the journey of surrender will lead you to slowly, one by one, lay everything at the feet of Jesus. The transforming power of God’s love comes through this surrender, as you allow God’s way, “His good, pleasing and perfect will,” to become your guide.
Surrendering your heart to God’s love takes vulnerability. While it may feel similar to getting to know a new friend, it is different in one profound way: the Lord loves you and accepts you just as you are. Remember these enduring truths from 1 John 1:12 “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, He gave the right to become children of God…,” and 1 John 4:19: “We love because He first loved us.” Let these promises steer you as you open your heart to God’s transforming love.
For Deeper Reflection
Listen now to a short segment of this Abide meditation based on 1 John 4:19. Let God speak to your heart about your belovedness.
To grow deeper in your journey of surrendering your heart to God, download the Abide app. Our more than 1500 guided biblical meditation all exist to help you experience His love in profound ways. Use this link for 25% off a premium subscription
Gwen lives in Atlanta with her husband, Paul. She loves black coffee, a good novel, and is always looking for a new skill to try or adventure to take.
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