Today’s Reading
I remember that winter’s day so vividly. I found myself sitting in awe of another one of God’s amazing sunsets. I came to the end of myself and the life I was trying so desperately to control and create on my own. It was in that moment, with pain and desperation, I surrendered every plan and desire. “Lord, it is You. All I need is you. Take it all. Whatever the cost.” I repeated this over and over. In that season of surrender, I came across this verse:
“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forever more.” -Psalm 16:11 (ESV)
Within six months of praying that prayer of surrender, I lost the three biggest things in my life that were comfortable to me. Within that painful season, I met Jesus face to face in a way I had never before. I saw my Father in heaven, strong and powerful, yet with a love in His eyes that cultivated an all-surpassing joy. My feet were steady on top of His, grabbing onto His arms as His strength and the protection of His embrace was walking me forward. My eyes were transfixed on His eyes as His love affirmed my identity. I could not see what was coming ahead of me but I felt safe with Him. In that moment of surrender, I gained a fullness of joy.
Surrender requires obedience. It requires us to let go of everything we hold close and trust Him to take us on a journey with the end goal of His glory being revealed. It has little to do with us and much to do with God. We are closest to God in our obedience and in His presence, is a fullness of joy. Obedience produces joy and joy brings forth God’s perfect gifts (James 1:17). In order to experience the fullness of how God wants to use us in this life we have been given, we must walk daily in a position of surrender.
For some of us, this means surrendering a relationship, a habit, or an area of comfort. It means exchanging our desires to be aligned with God’s desires. We are put on this earth to glorify God in all that we do. So let’s put it all in the safety of God’s hands, for the sole purpose of His glory being revealed. Through your obedience, be prepared to experience a fullness of joy and everlasting gifts.
Reflection
– How can you be obedient to the prompting of surrender and experience the fullness of joy God has for your life?
– Read Psalm 16:11 and Acts 2:23-33.
– Reflect on what Jesus did on the cross that made the way for us to experience this everlasting joy.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, strip away everything I know that is comfortable to me. Let your glory be revealed through my journey. I want to experience the everlasting joy you died on the cross for me to receive. Show me the steps of obedience and give me the strength to boldly take them. Whatever the cost. In your Holy Name, Amen.