I read recently that the late Catherine Marshall wrote about learning to surrender her entire life to God through a “prayer of relinquishment.” When she encountered a tough situation she panicked and exhibited a demanding spirit in prayer: “God, I must have thus and so.” God seemed remote. But when she surrendered the situation to Him to do exactly as He pleased, fear left and peace returned.

Psalm 37:5 says, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act.” That happens to be one of my favorite verses. As I thought about that verse and I thought what Catherine Marshall said, I could think of no better example of that than Jesus. Two situations played out in my head. The first was in the Garden as He wrestled with what was coming. He ultimately said, “Not my will but Yours be done.” Jesus could have chosen a different path (He was fully man), but He didn’t. He chose to surrender to His Father.  (He was also fully God).

It shows on the cross. There is no “I want down!” No “Take these nails out of my hands. The pain is too great.” No “I’ve had enough.” No. Instead when we read His last words, we hear His resignation and surrender in these words: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” There it is: a whole-hearted surrender and commitment to God.

An example for me. For you. If Jesus did so should I. So should you.

“Father, even though sometimes it is hard, please find a heart willing to resign itself to You, to commit itself into your hands. May I follow Jesus’ example.”