Start With Surrender

 "Be still and know that I am God”

- Psalm 46:10

 

Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend, and my King, 

 

For the past several decades, I’ve entered each new year with a list of goals and achievements I hope to accomplish by year’s end. That list covered all the primary domains of my life; physical health, fitness, marriage, family, work, ministry, finances, recreation, education, friendships and spiritual health. As I sit here and reflect, I realize for a “get-it-done” personality like mine, the thought of beginning a year without this list is inconceivable. Before the stroke of midnight, I feel I need my list so I can start on January 1. I want to wake up on New Year’s Day and immediately start striving. My inner monologue often sounds like, “This is the year I’m gonna get it right, this is the year I’m going to check off all these goals”

 

Jesus, this year, I’ve decided to start with Surrender. At first, this feels like I’m giving up, but as I lean into you more, I realize surrender isn’t giving up; it’s giving over—handing my striving to you, the One who has already finished the work. 

 

We live in a world that equates identity with achievement, worth with recognition, and security with control. I realize that as I’ve wanted to pursue achievement, receive recognition, and maintain control, it’s only because my internal need is for identity, worth, and security. However, living with these goals results in feelings of inadequacy, shame, and exhaustion. 

 

Lord, today I ask for you to help me start with surrender. Help me to change my mindset. I often think "I must strive in order to fix myself  - so that I can be accepted by you”. Your truth and your Word remind me that as I surrender my striving to you, you’ve already finished the work to establish my identity, worth, and security. Thank you, Jesus, for fulfilling every requirement for righteousness through your death on the cross. 

 

In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

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