Devotionals

Tranquil Surrender

by Amelia Avila
05/27/26
Free to Share
Author requests article critique

  Message Writer
  Hire Writer

Tweet

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Strong willed child.” As a young mom, I often wondered how God handled His strong willed “children.” Two of our children were tantrum throwers, impossible to reason with until they had worn themselves out.  Only then were they receptive to gentle correction.

Until recently, I didn't really lump myself into the strong willed category, because I did not realize how strong my will really was, ha ha! Oh boy, if a strong willed child is a handful, imagine a strong willed, obstinate adult, who thinks they know best! The realization that you have perhaps been resistant to surrendering your will to God’s is humbling! There may not have been visual tantrums, but resisting God’s gentle correction and direction is the same stubbornness. Our good Father allows us to carry on until we are finally tuckered out, ready to give up control and yield to His will. 

Perhaps people in your life have different opinions about what living a godly life entails. Perhaps they enjoy peace and quiet, and are perfectly content with the same daily routine, having zero desire to change how things are done. Health scares and unpredictable circumstances are taken in stride. I have always admired this in others, my husband especially. He is perfectly content with life as is. He is never swayed by unplanned circumstances, is not one to be influenced by trends, manipulation, or what other people think. He takes his time to consider decisions.

In recent months, I’ve been learning hard (but good) lessons… lessons on being grateful for what I have, being content with life as is, letting go and surrendering my will. God loves the people in my life who I worry about constantly, and knows what is best for them, much more than I do. More importantly, I am relearning how to sit quietly, waiting for God to do what He does best - changing hearts, including my own, knowing that I don’t have to be perfect or “make things happen” in order to be worthy. There is a beautiful, restful, peace in surrendering our will and actually living out the truth that God is in control. It is there that fear and anxiety melt away and we find that tranquility that we’re all longing for.

Psalm 16:5-8

5 Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup;

    you make my lot secure.

6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;

    surely I have a delightful inheritance.

7 I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;

    even at night my heart instructs me.

8 I keep my eyes always on the Lord.

    With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.