8 Songs of Surrender

“Dive” (Steven Curtis Chapman) — Capturing the rising excitement and exhilaration felt when we’re standing on the edge of what’s known and comfortable and preparing to jump off and get swept into the wild waves of wonder, this song shows that an experience with the Living Water can do more than we’ll ever know in our lives and in the lives of those around us. Once we take the leap of faith, it’s too late to go back. But we’ll never know exactly what we will encounter in the river until we dive in.

“You Know Better” (MercyMe) — This song paints a fresh picture of what letting go looks like by comparing it to a boxing match. Choosing to surrender is like stepping into the ring and facing the truth: this isn’t a battle we’re going to win. We need God’s help. We don’t even make the decision to surrender of our own accord; His Spirit leads us to the point of willingness.

The chorus poses this piercing question: since God knows better than we do, why don’t we follow Him? At last the soaring notes settle into a desire to trust and a declaration of faith. We can truly trust the One who always knows better.

 “The Center” (Matthew West) — The slightly off-center sound of this song suits the struggle it describes. The battle is intense—when we move toward the center of God’s will, we place ourselves in the midst of a spiritual war. We are being fought over by forces trying to shift us off center. But we are on the side of the One who is stronger. He will keep us in the center of His will.

“I Give Up” (Laura Story) — The soft piano accompaniment on this song fits the simplicity and sincerity of its message. We are not our own; we belong to our Creator, who loves and cares for us more deeply than we can imagine. Surrendering to Him marks the beginning of knowing Him more. What we try to control is actually controlling us, so when we let it go, we find freedom. But surrender isn’t a one-time act; it’s a choice we must make day by day, laying our life on the altar once again as a living sacrifice.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

— Romans 12:1 (NIV)

“Letting Go” (Jeremy Camp) — This song opens with a quiet confession of holding on to things that are wrong before moving on to a stronger resolve to let them go. By releasing what holds us back, we’re freed to move forward into the unhindered life God has for us. Since we don’t want to let go of what we know (both the good and the bad), it takes resolve to do so. We must enlist the force of faith. But as we seek God and lay everything before Him, we will find ourselves growing closer to Him. And that’s a prize worth fighting for.

“Hello to Goodbye” (Mark Harris) — Mournful piano chords give this song a melancholy aura, which speaks of the truth that surrender to God means death to self. Yet what seems to be an ending is actually the beginning of something much better. That doesn’t make it any less hard, but it does make it more hopeful. Living hidden in Christ is the safest place to be. It’s somewhere only love would lead you.

“Unrestrained” (Jeremy Camp) — Softly and gently, this song captures the way we waver and sway in our faith, always returning to the One who never changes. Yielding to God makes us more like Christ and paves the way for us to know Him with nothing between. Yet our daily surrender pales in comparison to Jesus’ offering of His life. He set the example we are called to follow.

 “Open Hands” (Laura Story feat. Mac Powell) — This song beautifully sums up many of the things I’ve been sharing about here and in the rest of this month’s posts. It speaks of the need for faith and assurance that God is at work and in control. It reminds us that we gain far more than we lose when we surrender to Him. And it shows that the beauty of a life lived with open hands is a masterpiece beyond compare.