Movement 1: Old Self

Read: My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 NLT

‘Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.’ Ephesians 4:29-32 NLT

Reflect: Jesus followers have an old self and a new self. The old self can be difficult to think about. This is before you knew Jesus and the better way He has for you to live. The old self is the one with foul and abusive language, bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, slander, evil behavior...and on and on. This is the self that you might have known was not okay, but you didn’t know a better way yet.

The thing is, this old self still tries to sneak in. Your human nature remains and is constantly fighting against your new self - the one made new by Jesus.

Pray: Ask God what parts of your old self you still need to hand over to Him. Listen while His Spirit gently reveals areas of needed surrender in your life.

Movement 2: New Self

Read: My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 NLT

Reflect: Recently, God and I have been talking about my old self. This old self is creeping back in in ways that are evident to myself and my family. I have been asking Him what pieces of myself I need to surrender to Him. And when I say surrender, I mean daily. Yes, there was a one-time surrender of my life to Jesus and asking Him to be the King of my heart. But the fight remains in my flesh and He has made it clear that I need to have a daily time of surrender.

In His kindness, He gave me this:

“Just Be” - A Daily Prayer of Surrender

I want to “just be”. I want to be where You want me to be. I want to be who You want me to be. I want to be open to what You have for me this day.

I surrender:

My striving for Your power.

My restlessness for Your peaceful Shalom.

My dullness for Your color.

My expectations and plans for Your sovereignty.

My manufacturing for Your ease.

My timing for Your perfect timing.

My mediocre hope for Your outlandish surprises.

My discouragement for Your goodness.

My control for Your sovereignty.

My overwhelming fatigue for Your enduring, never-ending stamina.

My limited ideas for Your unlimited creativity.

My restrained love for Your wild love.

My conditional love for Your unconditional love.

I hear You calling to me. I know You are waiting for me. Waiting to walk alongside me this day. I will look for You and see You in every situation throughout my day because you never leave me or forsake me. As You have invited me, I will just be.

Pray: Pray this prayer over yourself. Then ask God what He would give you in exchange for those pieces of your old self He revealed to you in Movement 1.

Movement 3: Your Surrender Prayer

Reflect: Take time to write your own daily prayer of surrender. Use mine as a template or craft your own. Write down the pieces of your old self and what He offers you that is always better.

Pray: Pray this prayer over yourself each morning inviting your sovereign God into your brokenness and asking Him to make you new all over again.