I have been posed this question a few times this week. Many of the patients I work with come to the third step of the a twelve step program and run into the words of the third step, “Made a decision to turn our will and life over to the care of God as we understood Him.” When they run into that step, they stumble over it, they fuss over it, they argue with themselves over it, and at the same time try to figure out how to run their lives and at the same time turn it over to God. It is difficult to help someone whose will is in charge and letting go is an impossible thought.
Perhaps impossible is a strong word. A better word might be improbable; some people get to the place of surrender in life, mainly when they realize how little control they have over life in the first place. But most people don’t, they struggle in the, “I want to control life” phase for a long time because they fear what will happen if they do let go. I try not to be too sarcastic when people pose that thought to me, but I often think, perhaps you will have some peace? Some joy?
I really do attempt to live in the God is in charge place in my life. I am well practiced in worry, but in my worry I attempt to not control what I can’t control but let that worry turn to trust, because I do trust God. In my life experience I have seen letting God do what God does best work out very well, and because of that I am even more willing be surrendered. I wish I did it perfectly each and every time, but I am diligent at trying to get better at it.
What does surrender mean to you?
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