Say the word ‘surrender’ in some environments, and red flags go up all over the place. Our world and culture has created a stigma with the word that gives a very negative tone, and connotation to the very idea of surrendering to anyone! It implies ‘giving up’, or defeat as when a criminal would surrender to police, troops giving up after a battle, yielding to a stronger opponent, surrendering a title/deed to the bank when payments can’t be made, or even in a game loss.
SURRENDER BECOMES FREEDOM
Surrendering to God is completely different. When we surrender our lives to Him for a righteous purpose we are being freed from the bondage of anything that keeps us from communing with Him. He is not being a tyrant or dictator, but rather a loving Father, a Friend, and most importantly, our Savior!
BRINGING WHAT WE HAVE
Surrender isn’t defeat when we surrender to God. Sometimes surrender simply means bringing God exactly what we have—even when what we have is a broken heart. And that, too, can become worship.
God sees beyond the surface. He knows when we are feeling dry, discouraged, broken in a million pieces, or unsure how to connect. Our loss has left us with an ache inside that doesn’t seem to stop. It’s always there, choking out every thing we’ve ever thought comfortable and good!
Our entire being is feeling crushed on every side. There seems to be no joy, no reason to say ‘thank you, God’. But God isn’t asking us to bring Him happiness and joy. He wants us to bring Him honesty; what we have in our hearts right now!
WORSHIP CHANGES
Our loss may change our worship, especially for a time, but it shouldn’t end it. God isn’t waiting for us to sing as though nothing has changed. He’s receiving us where we are. If tears and heart brokenness, is all we have to offer, then He accepts that!
Sometimes it takes a long time to just become functional. We feel like we’re going through the motions in every area of our lives. We’re still processing. It can take a while just to finally let our hearts be ‘safe’ enough to let something out. Tears may not come because we’ve been so focused on just getting through another day. God doesn’t expect us to hold it all together, all the time. He wants to help us heal as our Friend, Father, and Savior!
NOT PERFECTION
But worshipping isn’t just about joining a collective group of people in a sanctuary. It’s about whispering a prayer, just to get through. It’s about engaging our heart when we see something beautiful and whisper, ‘Thank you God.’ It’s when we can say, ‘God I’m broken, but you are worthy.’ God wants our honesty, not what we perceive as perfection.
Worship is also, taking care of our families, even in our distress; or when we forgive someone and other acts of kindness. It’s about serving, even when it takes all the effort we have, just to leave our house. We worship when we’re obedient, and just showing up!
WHERE WORSHIP IS REAL
Our worship is not validated by the emotions which threaten to take over. It’s rooted in truth. Just because we may not feel God’s presence, we can still know He is there, right beside us just like He promised. Worshipping in faith, is a decision to believe God keeps His word. This is where worship is real.
GOD IS WITH US
Life is hard, and from my widow’s perspective, it’s especially hard. We are suddenly alone, isolated and lonely, unsure of our future, how things are going to work out, or even how on earth to handle much of it!
But God is with us. He promised to carry us when we couldn’t walk. I’ve felt that over these last months and I believe it with all my heart. It’s about walking by faith, and worshipping a worthy God, in the middle of chaos and profound loss.
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