Surrender in the Vineyard - Nanette M. Holloway

The branches in the vineyard are a perfect illustration of surrender. The fruiting spurs extend from the vine effortlessly. The vine and the branch are one. A divine connection.

The great exchange: our life for Christ’s life. Our body, the temple of the Holy Spirit. His abiding place.

Our sinful nature for His life-giving salvation. Heavy burdens for his light yoke. Human ways for his divine nature. Darkness for light, unrighteousness for righteousness, bitterness and unforgiveness for forgiveness, hatred for love. Confusion for guidance and a straight path.

The list is endless.

But the word surrender indicates struggle and perhaps a battle. The white-knuckle grip on issues under feigned control is a heavy burden too costly to keep. Often the buried burdens create disease in our frail bodies, robbing us of health.

Burdens are disguised phantoms from the past. Satan’s lies believed in the innocent child’s mind. Or hurts so deep we wonder if God is able to heal the gaping wound that cripples the heart. Perhaps a victim of cruel bulling rendered an inferiority complex that screams afresh with new insults. And when attempts are made to overcome, we are left in shame once again.

But God is able to touch each hurt as we loosen the grip that holds us captive. Trust God and let go in abject surrender.

The simple song, “I Surrender All” by Judson Van DeVenter (1855–1939), says it all.

God’s Whisper

Abide in me, and yes, I will abide in you. I long for you to come. Surrender all and remain in my boundless love which expands farther than the east is from the west and higher than the farthest star.

You come but do not abide. Fix your longing heart on me.

Stay and know my intimate touch to your thirsty soul. Commune with me, more today than yesterday. Drink deeply of the fresh stream of living water provided for you.

You are a conduit of my love and refreshing waters for others who thirst.

Meditate today on my abiding love, intimacy, and communion with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Enter into praise to the Lover of Your Soul.

Wait at the foot of the cross as you surrender all. Receive from the blessed Savior all you lack in your hungry soul.

My Beloved, never hunger or thirst again. Let your cup be filled to overflowing today and every day.

Scripture for Today

“Wait and listen, everyone who is thirsty! Come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Yes, come, buy priceless, spiritual wine and milk without money and without price simply for the self-surrender that accepts the blessing” (Isaiah 55:1 AMP).

Prayer for You Today

Child of God,

I pray this day for you to let go of concerns in your heart, and surrender all at the foot of the cross. I ask for a heart of trust as you release each painful wound into God’s care. May He meet you with healing, restoration and a fresh heavenly touch. May you commune with the Holy spirit in intimacy as you abide in His love and grace. Amen.