Devotional Message

"Sweet Surrender"

"Surrender yourself to the LORD and wait patiently for him. Do not be preoccupied with an evildoer who succeeds in his way when he carries out his schemes." Psalms 37:7

In these trying times with the disease, violence and the uncertainty in life, we often feel oppressed and helpless in the face of the difficult circumstance we face. As hard as I have tried, I am not always successful in keeping my spirits up as I worry and fret about the future of my loved ones. But the Lord always seems to find a way to assure me that He is sovereign in all aspects of the lives of His people. We can't fix everything, and we certainly can't change the ambiguity of life. But we can surrender our cares and burdens to Jesus who is able to bear them far better than we!

Bruce Larson tells a wonderful story about how he has helped people struggling to surrender their lives to Christ: "For many years I worked in New York City and counseled at my office any number of people who were wrestling with this yes-or-no decision. Often I would suggest they walk with me from my office down to the RCA Building on Fifth Avenue. In the entrance of that building is a gigantic statue of Atlas, a beautifully proportioned man who, with all his muscles straining, is holding the world upon his shoulders. There he is, the most powerfully built man in the world, and he can barely stand up under this burden. 'Now that's one way to live,' I would point out to my companion, 'trying to carry the world on your shoulders. But now come across the street with me.'

"On the other side of Fifth Avenue is Saint Patrick's Cathedral, and there behind the high altar is a little shrine of the boy Jesus, perhaps eight or nine years old, and with no effort he is holding the world in one hand. My point was illustrated graphically. "We have a choice. We can carry the world on our shoulders, or we can say, 'I give up, Lord; here's my life. I give you my world, the whole world.'" - Bruce Larson, "Believe and Belong"

Do you sometimes feel like you are trying to bear all your burdens alone? Has it occurred to you that the Lord has a greater power to help us bear our burdens if only we trust in him? The Bible gives us sweet counsel regarding these matters; 1 Peter 5:6-7 "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care on him; for he cares for you."

"Sweet Surrender"

Oh the joy of true submission,

to be subject to His will.

Did you ever think of finding strength,

in just learning to be still?

Let my lips proclaim His glory,

though the world think me insane.

With my dying breath I'll yield to Him,

and I'll praise His Holy name.

Ah the madness of believing,

in a Kingdom no one sees.

Though the world may say I've lost my mind,

I'm contented as can be.

Let the people call me foolish,

for believing God is real,

In my heart I can't deny the depth,

of this certainty I feel.

Ah the joy of sweet surrender,

to a cause greater than mine.

Should I have to make this choice again,

I would choose it every time.

Let us yearn to live forever,

in the splendor of His grace.

We'll transcend the boundaries of our flesh,

and behold our Maker's face!

Joe J. Corrales