We’ve been talking about surrender all summer – surrendering emotions, lies, control. But how do we keep that spirit of surrender after summer comes to a close? How do we continue surrendering when schedules fill up, when life is overwhelming or even when God seems silent?
Surrendering to God isn’t a one-time decision; it’s a lifelong journey. A daily – sometimes even hourly – practice. As Christians, we’re called to continually lay down our will in exchange for his (Matthew 26:39), trusting that his plans are higher, his wisdom is deeper and his love is perfect.
Here are seven practical tips to help you continue living a surrendered life:
1. Start Each Day with Prayerful Surrender
Begin your day by acknowledging that you need God’s help. A simple prayer like, “Lord, I give you this day. Lead me. Use me. Help me to trust you more than myself,” sets your heart in the right posture.
2. Soak in Scripture Daily
God speaks to us through his Word. The more time you spend reading the Bible, the more you’ll understand God’s character and learn to trust his heart, even when you don’t understand his ways.
Try focusing on passages that reveal God’s sovereignty, such as Psalm 23, Matthew 6:25-34 or Romans 8. Let his Word reshape your thoughts and release your grip on control.
3. Be Honest with God
Surrender doesn’t mean pretending everything is okay. God welcomes your honesty. He already knows your fears, doubts and hesitations. Bringing them to him builds intimacy and opens the door for his peace to guard your heart.
Pray like the man in Mark 9:24: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
4. Surrender in Small Things
Sometimes we think surrender has to be a dramatic life change or calling. But most of the time, God invites us to let go in the small things: our need to be right in a conversation, our grip on a schedule, our desire for recognition. Daily obedience in the little things shapes a surrendered life.
5. Surround Yourself With Surrendered People
You become like the people you spend the most time with. Seek out community, mentors and other Jesus-following friends who are also learning to walk in surrender. Their faith and stories will strengthen yours. Like Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
6. Trust the Process
Let’s face it: Surrender is uncomfortable because it means letting go of control. And we may feel like not having control makes us weak. But surrender isn’t weakness – it’s strength under divine direction. It’s trust that God is shaping you and your future for the best, even when you can't see the outcome yet (Romans 8:28).
7. Repeat. Daily.
Surrender is not a one-time event. It’s a rhythm. A decision you make again and again. Some days will be easier than others, but God's grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). Keep coming to the cross and laying control of your life at the foot of it every single day. Even when you don’t want to. Even when it hurts. Our God is a loving, patient and trustworthy father and he is faithful to complete the work he started in you (Philippians 1:6).
As you work from a summer of surrender toward a life of surrender, remember this: You don’t have to surrender perfectly – you just need to surrender sincerely. Keep bringing your life before God. Keep laying it down. And keep trusting the creator of life with yours.
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