We’ve all heard it before: “Surrender it all to God”. It sounds simple, yet when we attempt to do so, we often find ourselves holding back. Why is it so difficult to fully let go and trust God with every part of our lives?
At the heart of this struggle is the battle between our human desire for control and the trust that true surrender requires. We live in a world that constantly encourages self-sufficiency, teaching us that the harder we work, the more we can accomplish. While this mentality can be beneficial in some areas, it can also hinder our relationship with God. When we feel the need to control every aspect of our lives, we leave little room for faith and trust in him.
The Motives Behind Our Prayers
Another challenge many people face is that we often approach God with motives – consciously or unconsciously. We may go to Him with a list of things we need or want, asking for blessings, protection, or favor. While it is natural to seek God in times of need, the danger lies in turning our relationship with him into a transactional one. We begin to expect that if we pray a certain way or act in a certain manner, God will reward us with what we want.
But God desires more than just to be our problem-solver. He longs for an authentic, intimate relationship with us. That means coming to him not just for what he can do for us, but simply because of who he is. Imagine a relationship where you only approach the other person when you need something – how meaningful would that relationship truly be?
The Struggle to Intentionally Spend Time with God
One of the most profound acts of love we can offer God is our time and attention. Yet, in a world filled with distractions and responsibilities, giving him undivided attention often feels like a challenge. Whether it is work, social obligations, or the lure of entertainment, many things compete for our focus.
However, Jesus himself reminds us of what should be our priority: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). This verse calls us to reorder our lives, putting God and his will above everything else. When we do that, God takes care of the rest.
So, how can we practically make God a priority in our daily lives?
Start your day with him – Begin each day by spending time in prayer, reading the Bible, or reflecting on God’s goodness. When you start your day in his presence, it sets the tone for everything else.
Be intentional about Sabbath – Take a day to rest and focus on God. It’s not just about physical rest but spiritual renewal, allowing God to recalibrate your heart and mind. Don’t end the week with rest, start the week with rest.
Let your routine be centered around God – Whether through listening to worship music, meditating on scripture, or praying throughout the day, find ways to weave God into your everyday moments.
Join a community of believers – Surround yourself with people who will encourage you in your walk with God and hold you accountable. Church, connect groups (or home cell), or bible study fellowships can help you stay grounded.
Practice Gratitude – Take time each day to thank God for what he has done, even in the little things. Gratitude keeps us focused on his goodness rather than our desires.
Fear of Levelling Up Spiritually
Sometimes, as much as we desire to grow close to God, there is a deep-seated fear of what that might entail. We may fear the pruning process, the refining work that He does in our hearts to remove the things that don’t honor him. It can be uncomfortable, and challenging, and require us to let go of things we’ve held onto for a long time.
Yet, God didn’t give us a spirit of fear but one of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). When we fear leveling up spiritually, it is often because we’re afraid of the unknown – what God might ask us to change, give up, or surrender. But His pruning is not meant to harm us; it is meant to help us flourish. Just as a gardener prunes a plant to promote healthy growth, He prunes us to make us more fruitful in His Kingdom.
Surrendering everything to God is no easy task. It requires trust, vulnerability, and a willingness to put Him first, even when it is uncomfortable. But when we let go of our need for control and seek him genuinely, we open ourselves to a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with our Creator. As we prioritize God and face our fears of spiritual growth, we can rest in the assurance that he is working all things for our good, pruning us for a purpose far greater than we could ever imagine.