A Nightly Practice of Surrender - Your Nightly Prayer - July 31st
A Nightly Practice of Surrender
by Greg Grandchamp
TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you.” - Psalm 55:22
SOMETHING TO PONDER
Have you ever noticed how the extreme heat of summer can add to our already tense lives? Let’s face it, the calming cool of autumn and the fall colors, or the beautiful blooms of springtime, can bring a certain calm, as we step outside and breathe in refreshing air, it seems to ease our tensions. On the other hand, the sometimes-sizzling summer temps can seem to make us a bit more miserable and accentuate whatever other issues we might be facing.
It is human instinct that we must gain and maintain control over our lives, or at least certain aspects of our lives. As we lie in bed after a hot July or August day, our thoughts too often turn to our struggles rather than our peace. Worries and anxieties about something in the future; frustration when things don’t go as planned or expected; or maybe dwelling on our own mistakes, in the past or the present. Maybe we’re holding on to resentments or a grudge against someone else we have had recent – or not-so-recent – disagreements with. Or we – or someone we love – is experiencing pain and suffering. The list is quite endless, it seems.
It can be a bit disconcerting to a believer that – even though we now belong to God through faith in Christ - we are still experiencing the same problems and challenges that plagued us before being saved. And quite likely, that thought brings us greater guilt, adding to the issues we are already anxious about.
But we should know that surrendering control is one of the most challenging acts a Christian is called to. Truly trusting God with everything in our lives – everything – is not an easy thing. We so cling to our own illusions of control – our fragile egos telling us we can dictate outcomes, steering our lives according to our plans.
And yet, somewhere buried in our hearts, we know that true peace is found in Him. When we acknowledge that God is ultimately in control. We know, by simply letting go, we open ourselves up to a level of peace beyond. Yes, it is often easy to forget. God already knows that problems will continue to plague us and has given us the answers. Both David and Peter offer us the very same solution, just in different words.
“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” - Psalm 55:22
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” - 1 Peter 5:7
When we read – and then re-read – these two verses, we realize they contain amazing truths. Our Creator will sustain us. He will never let us fall. Why? Because he cares for us. He invites us to cast all of our anxieties on Him. Not some–not just the “tough ones.” All. God is declaring to us His willingness to be our everything. Our strength. Our support. Mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. We know He is most certainly able to do this, and these verses tell us that He is willing to take everything that overwhelms us and use it for our benefit. For our good.
God will sustain us. He will never let us fall. He cares for us. He is able - and best of all, willing - to take everything that threatens to overwhelm us and use it for our benefit. He has promised to “work all things together for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Surrender is an on-going, continuous process, and each day brings new opportunities to trust in God’s plan for your life. Especially in the sometimes sweltering heat of summer - let us take comfort in this: even when we doubt, God hears our pleas and is still working for our good and His glory.
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Father in heaven,
I know that sometimes I doubt. Please forgive me. Help me, Father, to surrender all things to your will. Help me to surrender my life – everything I am, everything I have. Help me to better trust you, Lord. Help me be the person I want to be in Christ. Help me to know that you will sustain me. May your hand be with me in all things. I pray this in the powerful name of Jesus Christ.
Amen and Amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
1. Where do we begin our surrender to God? In our hearts. Our hearts are where we will feel the truth deeply, where we will know it for a certainty. Then our hearts will convince our minds.
2. We must decide in our hearts that whatever the outcome, God’s will is being done. And His will is so much greater than ours – even if we don’t see it just yet.
3. We must be prepared that God may not change our situation, but He may choose to change us in our situation. If so, that change is spiritual growth the Lord wanted us to have.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Tinnakorn Jorruang
Greg doesn’t pretend to be a pastor, a theologian, or a Bible expert, but offers the perspective of an everyday guy on the same journey as everyone else – in pursuit of truth.
Greg can be reached by email or on Facebook @ Greg Grandchamp - Author.
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