SURRENDER

I was listening to a song this morning that has a verse “All to Jesus I surrender, all to thee I freely give…”   I love this verse and was singing it with intent and much feeling.  Those that know me – know that I love to sing – although I certainly don’t have a singing voice.

As I was singing the song, in particular that verse, I thought of what it means to surrender.  You might be surprised to know that the word “surrender” cannot be found in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. 

I was surprised, since it is a word so often used when speaking about a Christian’s life (i.e., a surrendered life).
Merriam-Webster defines surrender as (1) agreeing to stop fighting, hiding, resisting, etc. because you know that you will not win or succeed; (2) giving control or use of something to someone else; (3) allowing something to influence or control you. 

When I trade the word surrender in the song verse, with some of the definitions above, I get the following:

• All to Jesus I “…agree to stop fighting, hiding, resisting, because I know that I will not win or succeed…”
• All to Jesus I “…agree to give control of myself…”
• All to Jesus I “…allow to influence me…”

What powerful statements!  While the word itself is not in the Bible (KJV), the concept certainly rings true. 

To surrender to God means to set aside our own plans, and actively seek His plans for our lives.  The beauty is that His plans for us are so much better than our own.  “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11).

God seeks our surrender, simply to allow His blessings to rain upon us.  What a gracious and loving Father.

All to Jesus I surrender;
Lord I give myself to thee;
Fill me with thy love and power
Let thy blessing fall on me

​​Blessings To You – Janice

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