2 Chronicles 16:9a “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.

According to the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary, the word surrender means “to yield to the power of another or to give up one’s self into the power of another.” As believers, we are to live in full surrender to Christ. Our devotion to God should exemplify a heart that is completely yielded to God and His lordship in our lives. Biblical characters such as Joshua, Elijah, Samuel and others were examples of individuals whose hearts were fully devoted to Christ. Lets’ examine the life of the Prophet Samuel. Samuel did exactly what the Lord told him to do. He didn’t compromise nor did he take short cuts. He never sought to please people. Samuel didn’t manipulate people or situations to get what he wanted, but instead, he sought to please his King. His heart was fully devoted and surrendered to the Lord his God.

1 Samuel 3:19 So Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and and let none of his words fall to the ground.

1 Samuel 7:3 Then Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, “If you return to the Lord with all your hearts, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths from among you, and prepare your hearts for the Lord, and serve Him only; and He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.”

1 Samuel 8:10 So Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who asked him for a king.

We should follow Samuel’s example and live our lives in full surrender to Christ. I’m not advocating perfection for no one is perfect. In Romans 3:10, it says, “There is none righteous, no, not one.” Jesus is the only One Who is perfect. As believers, we should actively seek the Lord through prayer to live a godly life which pleases Him rather than people. You will never find satisfaction or contentment in trying to earn the favor of others. You will always be disappointed. Instead, seek to please Jesus and desire the favor of God in your life. Our identity is in Him alone. He is the only One Who can satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts.

Don’t waste your time chasing after people in order to please them. If they don’t recognize your value as a person, it’s definitely not worth you trying to maintain the friendship or relationship. Pursue Jesus with all your heart, soul, and strength. Stay on the path He has for you not looking to the left or the right, but keeping your eyes on the road ahead while allowing Him to lead and guide you in the direction He wants you to go. Live your life in full surrender to Him! He loves you very much and He will never disappoint you. You are His divine masterpiece and the apple of His eye.

Do you want to know how much you are worth to Him? Look towards the cross! Because of His great love for you and I, Jesus willing went to the cross on our behalf and sacrificed Himself so we may have eternal life. This is how much we are worth to Him and much much more. Jesus loves us with an everlasting love and His plans for every one of us are for good and not for evil to give us a hope and a future. Trust the Lord and live fully surrendered to Him!

Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”