Surrender

“If you make a compromise with surrender, you can remain interested in the abundant life, all the riches of freedom, love, and peace, but it is the same as looking at a display in a shop window. You look through the window but do not go in and buy. You will not pay the price – Surrender”

– E. Stanley Jones.

“I lift my hands just as I am, I’m letting go of false control
I lift my voice, I have no choice
My life is Yours, use me for Your fame.”

– Rush of Fools (Fame Lyrics)

I need to stop trying to hold on. Let go of this idea that is really ‘false control’. Stop thinking I actually have any power over what is happening. In those weak times, that is when I become dependent on him.

It is so important to remember to take time out and remember who God is. I’ve had some hectic assignments due in the last few days and I have felt so lost and helpless. All that kept me sane was my daily trip to the beach. I got some exercise to take the edge of unusual anxiety off, but most of all, I saw that the world kept spinning round. Life goes on and it is bigger than our tight-knit list of priorities. People were laughing and smiling. The sun was glowing glorious hues as it bid goodbye for the evening.

I had this thought that I needed to do the absolute best that I could at Uni to bring glory and honour to God. I was all wrapped up in doing well and scared of failing in case I let him down. When I took time out and saw the crescent-shaped beach, the waves brushing against the shore, the cumulus clouds radiating vibrant colour and the rays bursting forth from the heavens, I realised that God doesn’t need me to bring glory to himself. He has invited me to, but God’s image shall never be tainted and his glory will forever be shone.  I had to let go of the idea that God’s glory was all in my hands.  Only then, could I truly reflect the King of Peace.

I felt so much better for surrendering. I know it is only the beginning. I am very strong-willed, controlling and bossy, often causing me to get agitated and aggressive.  I know I need to exchange these things for the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) but I am aware that as long as I realise this and do nothing about it, I am merely window shopping.

I need to lay the cards down on the table.

Surrender.

. . .

“Be still, and know that I am God”

-Psalm 46:10

When The Oceans Rage

 

There is nothing like a storm to comfort us.

It sounds ridiculous but I actually find storms really comforting. I’m not sure if it is that all the tension that has been blinding up is finally released or that the voices of the world around us seem to get drowned out in the thundering rain.

After two months of swimming in the ocean every day, tonight I trekked to the beach once more. I was alone in the rain and as I neared the coast, I came face to face with a wondrous, mighty sea thrusting its waves violently toward me. The water crashed against the rocks and sprayed in protest. I parked my car and ran toward it.

“And when the oceans rage, I don’t have to be afraid because I know that you love me”.

Singing out loud of God’s unfailing love. Yelling the word of truth passionately into the water-splinted wind. “God, your love never fails!”

“The wind is strong and the water’s deep
But I’m not alone here in these open seas
Cause your love never fails”

Life can be one hectic whirlpool. We feel that we are caught and dragged in a downward spiral and though we see the world spiralling around us, we need not be afraid. Our God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Crack open your Bible. Remember that famous story when Jesus calmed the storm?

 ^“A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.  Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” – Mark 4:37-41

Who is this man? He is Jesus! He is my all time hero, my saviour, lord and friend.

Why is my life so different to so many others caving down around me? It’s not because of anything I have done. My life is incredible because I have Jesus in my life. This little boat I am in is my life. The ocean is the world we have to navigate. That same powerful man that was in that boat promises to be in mine.

Who is in your boat? What is going to happen when the wind starts howling and the waves toss your boat? When the world knocks you down, who will be there to save you? Invite Jesus on your boat now and he’ll be there when you need him. I promise.