“All to Thee is yielded, I am not my own; Blissful, glad surrender-I am Thine alone.” E. May Crawford
I left the surgeon’s office last Friday afternoon and while driving home, I recalled the last words Jesus spoke as he hung on the cross, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46) As I reflected on those words and made them my own, peace flooded my mind and heart. I knew whatever happened, it would be okay. I could trust my heavenly Father as He always knows what’s best. Once again I surrendered my life to God’s purposes.
The Greek word for commit in that verse means, “to commit the keeping of, to put forth or set before; to deposit as a trust or for protection.” In some versions, the word commend is used, which means, “to entrust for care or preservation.”
When Jesus hung on the Cross, He knew God would bring good out of this horrific situation. Jesus knew that even though He carried the weight of the world’s sin, and He experienced temporary separation from His Father, it was all for a greater purpose. Jesus understood His Father’s character, what God’s nature was like, therefore, He was able to release His life upon the Father’s care. No matter what was happening, Jesus entrusted Himself to God. When Jesus was offended, He committed Himself with confidence to His Father. I Peter 2:23 says, “When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.”
What area in your life do you need to commit or entrust to God? Is it a loved one’s health, a financial need, a friend’s salvation, deliverance from an addiction, or to feel hope once again? Peace envelops our hearts and minds when we get to the place of acceptance and lay our boxing gloves down.
Having an accurate assessment of who God is and my belief He is good all the time, causes me to rest in what He has next for me. I am able to commit myself to God’s care and trust in His protection, having the assurance that God knows the plans He has for me, plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me a hope and a future, (Jeremiah 29:11).
“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Jim Elliot
Relevant Reflection: What area of your life do you need to surrender and commit to God’s care? Spend time in prayer, entrusting yourself to Him.