Surrendering VS Striving
- Rita Larson
- Nov 12, 2023
- 4 min read
Surrender has been the word of the day for me today. We overcomplicate our journey as Christians; we often find ourselves caught between striving and surrendering. The desire to please God and earn His favor can lead us to exhaust ourselves in our own efforts. However, true freedom and victory come when we surrender to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to work in and through us. Let's explore the concept of surrendering to the Holy Spirit, understanding its significance in our relationship with God, and how it brings us peace, rest, and freedom in Christ.
Surrendering to the Holy Spirit involves letting go of our own attempts to earn God's favor and relying on the finished work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. It begins with our initial surrender to the drawing of the Holy Spirit, which leads to salvation (John 6:44; Acts 2:21). When we surrender our lives to God, we become His children, experiencing the freedom and favor that come with being in a relationship with Him (John 1:12; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
However, surrender is not a one-time event; it is an ongoing process. There are different levels of surrender that affect our relationship with God. The more areas of our lives we surrender to Him, the more room there is for the filling of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). As we surrender, we allow the Holy Spirit to transform us, replacing our old self-centered nature with one that resembles Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
God calls us to surrender our entire selves to Him. Romans 6:13 exhorts us, "Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness." Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of surrender when He said, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Mark 8:34).
Surrendering to God is not about losing ourselves; it is about finding our true identity in Christ. Galatians 2:20 beautifully captures this truth, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." When we surrender, we allow Christ to live through us, and our lives become a testament to His love and grace.
Surrendering to the Holy Spirit has profound significance in our relationship with God. It brings us peace, rest, and freedom that surpasses worldly understanding. When we strive to please God in our own strength, we become burdened by the weight of performance and self-effort. But when we surrender, we experience the peace that comes from knowing that God has a perfect plan for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11).
Striving is often accompanied by anxiety and fear as we try to control every aspect of our lives. However, when we surrender to the Holy Spirit, we learn to trust in God's faithfulness and provision. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Surrendering to the Holy Spirit allows us to experience a deep sense of peace, knowing that God is in control.
Striving often leads to exhaustion as we tirelessly work to meet our own expectations and earn God's favor. However, when we surrender, we find rest in God's provision. Jesus invites us, saying, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:28-29). Surrendering to the Holy Spirit allows us to find rest in God's grace, knowing that our worth and acceptance come from Him alone.
Striving can imprison us in a cycle of performance-based living, always trying to measure up to our own or others' expectations. However, when we surrender, we experience true freedom and victory in Christ. Galatians 5:1 declares, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Surrendering to the Holy Spirit breaks the chains of self-effort and allows us to walk in the liberty that comes from being in Christ.
While surrendering to the Holy Spirit may sound simple in theory, it can be challenging to put into practice. Here are some practical steps to help us surrender and experience the peace, rest, and freedom that come with it.
Take time each day to pray and meditate on God's Word. Surrender your desires, fears, and anxieties to Him, and ask for His guidance and strength. As you spend time in His presence, allow Him to speak to your heart and renew your mind.
Anchor your faith in the promises of God's Word. Remind yourself of His faithfulness and the truth of who you are in Christ. Fill your mind with scriptures that affirm God's love, grace, and provision.
Surround yourself with fellow believers who can encourage and support you in your journey of surrender. Seek out mentors or trusted friends who can hold you accountable and help you stay focused on surrendering to the Holy Spirit.
Engage in worship and praise as a way to surrender your heart and focus on God. Sing songs of surrender and gratitude, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill you with His presence and power.
Make a conscious decision each day to surrender your will, desires, and plans to God. Lay them at His feet and trust that He knows what is best for you. Surrendering daily allows the Holy Spirit to work in and through you, guiding your steps and transforming your life.
Surrendering to the Holy Spirit is a lifelong process that brings us peace, rest, and freedom in Christ. It requires us to let go of our own striving and trust in God's faithfulness and provision. As we surrender, we find our identity in Christ and experience the joy of living in His grace. May we continually surrender ourselves to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to lead us into a deeper relationship with God and a life filled with peace, rest, and freedom. ©Rita Larson 11/12/2023
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