Surrender…It’s not the most exciting or inspiring word.
In fact, I grew up watching movies and reading books about swashbuckling heroes who faced impossible odds and overcame them by encouraging those around them to “never give up, never surrender…!” (There are at least 2 Mel Gibson movies that are playing in my head right now!) In free society, we are taught to think independently, live our own lives, and do things the way we think they should be done. I have heard countless times to go live my dreams and do whatever I set my mind to.
However, God is calling us to something more challenging and more wonderful than just simple independence.
He is offering us the chance to surrender our lives, and in the process, experience unexplainable freedom and joy.
This is a paradigm shift that I think is so important for us as believers, and vital for us as worshippers. Jesus gives us a simple promise in the book of Matthew:
“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” Matthew 16:25 (NIV)
In other words – the path to ultimate freedom and fulfillment is through complete and total surrender.
When I read this passage, my mind automatically runs through what Jesus did for me. Think about it – Jesus experienced the most brutal form of torture, was abandoned by all His friends, and suffered the worst death just so He could have relationship with us. Every insult, every beating, the nails that were driven through His hands and feet, they were all for you and me. When I think about this, there is no other response but “I love You and You have all of me”!
The latest Highlands Worship Recording, “Here I Surrender” is a collection of songs that center around the theme of a fully surrendered life.
As you listen to these songs, my hope is that you will be inspired to a deeper level of passion and worship in your relationship with Jesus.
Here are 3 major thoughts that have been the driving force behind “Here I Surrender”:
My HOPE is in the name of Jesus.
Matthew 12:21 (NLT)
21 And his name will be the hope of all the world.”
He gave His life for me, so I SURRENDER mine to Him.
Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Jesus has won, so I have VICTORY in everyday life.
Romans 8:11-13 (NLT)
11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.
I hope you enjoy these songs of hope, surrender, and victory!
