The Red Light to Surrender

A week of stillness was not something I wanted but it was all I could do. I had to rely on other people to take care of things for me. I tend to want things done and delivered with a quickness. So placing my business in someone else’s hands is not my preference or choice. However, my body made it very clear that this was my “red light” and I needed to stop.

After becoming ill, it almost seemed impossible to do the basic functions. But I kept trying until finally, I threw in the towel.

Our bodies are so good to us. They will remind us real quick that we don’t have as much control as we think. So needless to say, I was in the place of what I call “SURRENDER.” The great thing is that when you stop for a moment, you can learn some good stuff and get a few treasures in the process.

In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “SURRENDER” is to yield to the power, control, or possession of another upon compulsion or demand. Most of us, if not all, do not like this process but it is the place to which we all will have to surrender to at some point in our lives.

As I was talking to my husband about this word “SURRENDER,” he gave me a great scripture. In Psalm 46:10, and as I read this familiar verse, I began to take a closer look, so I zoomed in on the words “be still.” To “be still” in Hebrew the word is “raphah” meaning to sink or relax. As I pondered over the scripture, I realized that my thoughts about “SURRENDER” were taking a turn in another direction. You see, in order for God to get my full attention so that I would grasp the yielding process, I would have to be still. It was time for me to sink and relax. Are y’all still with me? Keep reading, please…

Do you remember that I mentioned earlier that I do not like placing my business into someone else’s hands? I don’t know if any of you feel this sense of control but I sure did. I am not saying in any way that God made me ill. What I am saying is that in this illness, he was cultivating a heart of SURRENDER for me and I am extremely grateful. God wants all of me not just parts of me. To “SURRENDER,” stillness has to be a part of my daily lifestyle. This means letting go of this fight of thinking I have to be strong all the time or worrying about all the projects that I have that are pilling up and not purposefully moving in the direction I want it to go. It’s allowing me to change my perspective, looking instead at being still as an invitation to take the time to relax, refocus, and replenish. Sometimes, God will redirect us. I needed to take care of my health, relinquish control and sit still in the presence of God rather than focus on all the things that I thought needed to be done.

What are the red lights for you? Are there any situations in your life that you need to SURRENDER? Is God calling you to stop something you are doing? Do you need to be still so that you can hear the voice of God clearly? Whatever it may be for you, God is near and very present. He loves and wants to take care of you. Let this precious thought simmer in your heart, soul and mind.

*Encouragement Scripture: Psalm 145:18