Surrender to Freedom

I give up.

I used to think those three words were a sign of weakness.  

My pride and ego would rise within and yell, "NEVER SURRENDER!" as I clenched onto people, patterns, and problems for far too long.

I would keep holding on, trying to bend everyone and everything to my will as I sang my "I'm fine, I'm fine" anthem while slowly falling back against the enemy's attacks.

I was losing the battle and knew I needed reinforcements, but my fear and stubbornness made it hard for me to trust anyone and give up control.

My ego didn't want to let go, but my heart and soul knew it was time to call in the cavalry.

I fell on my knees (I mean not literally; I'm too old for that. It was more of a gentle sitting with ample pillows) and cried out to God, "HELP! I GIVE UP!"

I

Me. I must do it. I must choose. No one can do it for me.

Give

Offer. Hand over. Place in someone's care. Relinquish control. Willingly.

Up

To God. Up there. Not pushing it down. Not sharing it with friends over and over. Giving it upwards and releasing it to the heavens.  

When I really think about it, those three words - I GIVE UP are not weak at all.

I GIVE UP is a cry of freedom as we surrender to God.

When we give up control and release the worry and fear, the dam breaks free, allowing God's love to wash over us.

Surrendering and giving up is brave and beautiful.

Scream it loud with me this morning. I want to hear it!

I GIVE UP!

Shout it like you mean it!

I can almost hear God yelling back, "Excellent! I'll take it from here!"

And now we can rest in God's love, sit back, and float in the lazy river of freedom.

Let's GOOOOOOOOOO!

James 1: 4-7

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

1 Peter 5:6

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

Psalm 55:22

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.