“Surrendering to God doesn’t mean abandoning our desires; it means living in a posture of trust.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – February 11, 2025
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30, ESV
I’m driving down the road when someone suddenly pulls out in front of me—I feel anger rising. I’m working on a project with a looming deadline, burdened by the pressure. I get irritated when I can’t control a particular outcome.
So often, we seek joy in control, believing that if we can manage everything perfectly, we will find happiness. We chase success, comfort, and personal achievement, thinking they will bring us fulfillment. Without even realizing it, we tell ourselves, If I can fix everything, then I’ll be happy. But the truth in the Christian life is that joy doesn’t come from control—it comes from surrender. True joy is found in selflessly blessing others, not in grasping for selfish control over our lives.
Whenever we feel a lack of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, or goodness, we can be certain that we are not fully experiencing the treasures of the Lord. But when we surrender our earthly priorities to the Holy Spirit, His presence fills our hearts and spirits to overflowing. A life of joy is joy in the spirit. A life of joy is a life surrendered to God.
Jesus exemplified this surrender perfectly. He intentionally spent time with His Father, ensuring that His life aligned with God’s will. Hebrews 12:2 says, “For the joy that was set before Him, He endured the cross, despising the shame.” Jesus willfully entrusted everything—especially the things He couldn’t control—to His Father.
Surrendering to God doesn’t mean abandoning our desires; it means living in a posture of trust. It’s not about giving up everything we want but about prioritizing God’s glory, which ultimately leads to deep, lasting joy.
If we insist on going our own way—harboring anger, clinging to bitterness, refusing to let go of frustrations at the stoplight or in difficult relationships—we may not be living daily for Christ. Every day, He invites us to release our ungodly attitudes and embrace His character. Not because He wants to control us, but because He loves us.
Letting go is not about loss—it’s an invitation to lay down our burdens. When we surrender, we step into His joy.
In Matthew 11, Jesus extends a clear invitation: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” We are often weighed down by life’s expectations, our worries, and pressures. But Jesus promises rest—not just physical rest, but deep soul-rest that brings joy.
How do we experience this joy? By taking His yoke upon us. A yoke is a farming tool that binds two animals together to share a load. In this metaphor, Jesus invites us to join Him in the work He is already doing. He does not place a heavy burden on us; rather, He carries it with us. What once seemed unbearable becomes light in His presence.
So, in those moments of frustration—whether at a stoplight, in a strained relationship, or in a season of suffering—come to Jesus. Let go of the weight you’re carrying. Step into His joy and allow Him to carry your burdens.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your gentle invitation to come to You when we are weary. Help us to surrender every burden, every worry, and every plan into Your loving hands. Teach us that true joy comes not from our striving but from trusting You. We pray for the grace to take Your yoke upon us, knowing that in surrender, we will find rest and joy beyond our understanding. Thank You for being with us, carrying the load, and leading us into the freedom and joy of Your presence. Amen.
Application
Are there areas of your life where you are holding on too tightly, trying to control outcomes or situations? What would it look like to surrender those to God, trusting that His plan is greater than yours?
In what ways can you embrace the gentle and humble yoke of Jesus today, knowing that He is walking with you through it all?
Related Reading
Psalm 94:19; Proverbs 17:22; Romans 15:13; Galatians 5:22
Worship Resource
Hillsong Worship: I Surrender”
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