I Give Up

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will find it.” ~ Jesus, from Matthew 16: 24-25

I give up.

I give up control. Or rather the idea that I thought I could control anything. God, You take over. please.

I give up trying to figure everything out. Lord, you didn’t mean for me to figure it all out, did you? I just want to sit at Your feet, Jesus, and worship.

I give up trying to make others like me. God, your love and your grace is sufficient.

I give up trying to fill myself with things that I *think* will make me happy. You have told me to take up my cross…

I give up trying to make my children behave a certain way. You created them fearfully and wonderfully, help me to see them how You see them.

I give up trying to please others. Am I seeking Your approval or the approval of man? Lord, it is you I want to please!

I give up trying to do it all. Who am I kidding? I cannot do it all. I cannot come even close. Thank You, Lord, that You give me just what I need each day…help me not to rush ahead of you by adding things to my life that only complicate things in the end.

I give up my right to be right. I give up my right to anything. Lord, show me the areas where I have a sense of entitlement. I don’t want that in my heart…by grace alone You have not given me what I deserve. Let me live a life ever grateful for every moment.

I give up trying to be someone else. Lord, show me who You created me to be, because sometimes I don’t even know anymore. I want to used by You.

I give up trying to work my way to righteousness, I just want to sit at Your feet. I give up my rights. I want You to take over. I want to surrender to You. I want a life characterized by Your grace and Your beauty and Your love…I want my life to reflect You. All you.

I give up. I just want to sit at Your feet, Jesus. I want to be like Mary and choose the better thing…You, more of You.