Opening your soul to God.

I was speaking to a lady after church today and we landed on the topic of surrender. Surrender comes from the French word rendre, which means to give. There is something near "magical" about surrendering to God; something powerful takes place within our souls when we are willing to relinquish control of our lives to the care of God. When I give God my life I seem to gain my soul; it is real.

There is so much freedom in letting go of our will and our lives to the care of God, yet it seems like one of the most difficult things to do and it is usually the last thing I do. Why do we want to hold on to people, places, and things, that we have no power over?

I am reminded of the scripture, "Cast all your care upon me for I care for you." I used to think that I was supposed to hold on to the small things and only bring God the massive burdens in my life only after I have exhausted all my resources? I know longer think this way. I truly attempt to from the practice of "praying without ceasing".

What are you clutching that you need to let go of to God? What have you been carrying that you can open your hand and render it to God? In light of the recent world events of disasters, wars, friends struggling with addiction, personal life choices, and the madness that surrounds this time of year I have unassumingly found myself carrying some burdens. I woke up this morning a 3 AM to the sound of rain and I went into the silence and stillness of my living room and prayed. I opened my soul to God and was set free. I am reminded that God is with me. God is present.

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me--watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." Jesus according to Matthew 11:29