Surrender is the prompt word for Day 17 of #write28days. According to RhymeZone, one of the definitions is:
verb: relinquish to the power of another; yield to the control of another
This past week I was doing well, until a virus hit me. It was inevitable, I guess, since my son had it and I was taking care of him. This sickness seemed to come on suddenly with headache, full body aches and an overall feeling of tiredness.
Surrender to the Illness
Now you may wonder what a virus has to do with surrender. I know a virus is not a person, but I certainly had no control over it.
So the best thing I could do was give in to it. Not in a despairing sort of way, but I acknowledged that it had hit me and I could do nothing to avoid it.
Normally, when my head is throbbing, I tend to tense up, which only makes the pain worse. I should remember that from my days of labor when giving birth. Practicing slow, deep breathing helps you lean into the pain rather than fight it.
Surrender, but also Pray
As I introduced in my post, Presence: Bringing God into all of Life, I am taking part in The Presence Project with Summer Gross. We are learning to practice the presence of God in our lives. I decided to make use of something we began in the first month, that is, a breath prayer.
Breath Prayers
As I take a deep breath, letting my body relax, I say a quick prayer. What I have been using this past month is this:
As I breathe in I say Be still, and as I breathe out I say and know that I am God.
So during the early part of my sickness I used that prayer alternating with a different one to remind me that Jesus goes with me in the sickness and through every part of my day. This is what I prayed as I took slow, deep breaths:
Breathe in: Lord Jesus, breathe out: You are here in this moment.
As I repeated that prayer, I felt my body relax. The slow, deep breathing played an important part in that.
But I believe reminding myself of the presence of Jesus with me was even more comforting and helped me relax and trust.
Psalm 23:4 (CSB)
Even when I go through the darkest valley,
I fear no danger,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—they comfort me.
Romans 8:38-39 (CSB)
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers,
nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth,
nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from
the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
You can find the rest of my series HERE.
I’m linking up with: #InspireMeMonday, #LMMLinkup
I surrender all to Him. Giving up control (surrendering) can be hard at times. I often give things to God and take them right back. I pray that each moment I will remember to surrender to Him. 🙂
You’re right, Melissa, that is can be hard at times, but the rewards are great. I know what you mean about giving them and taking them right back. I, too, pray that I’ll remember each moment. Blessings to you!
The breath prayer is a great suggestion for times of stress. So happy you remembered this tip from being in labor!
Yes, it’s interesting how that memory popped in as I was writing. But after giving birth to 7, I should remember. LOL Yes, the breath prayer doesn’t take long but it helps you focus. Blessings to you!
Oh Gayl I am so sorry that you have been so sick, but I am thankful for the beautiful fruit that God brought forth from your time of surrender. Breathing in the Presence of Jesus is such a gift of the Holy Spirit within us. I love both of your poems and artwork; they express so well what you were going through! But I love that first poem so much, especially this stanza:
“Come drink from the well
that never runs dry
the Holy Spirit its source
down deep in our hearts.”
May I rest in His presence, drinking of that Living Water with Him. And may He bless you with healing and rest tonight Dear Friend! Love & Hugs xo
Thank you for your continued encouragement through your words and your trust in God. I’m so glad you like the poems. Yes, that stanza says it all, doesn’t it? May we remember that He is always with us and rest in that. Blessings, love and hugs to you, dear friend! xoxo
I love the “breathe prayer” idea. It seems like a wonderful way to take a moment, and reflect on Jesus and to realize that everything will be alright in the end, no matter what.
Carrie Ann, it is a wonderful way to pause and remember He is with us and has it all under control. Blessings to you!
I’m also thinking the “breathe prayer” would be a wonderful tool to use when you can’t fall asleep!
I love the reminder, “Lord, Jesus, You are here in this moment.!”
You are so right, Jerralea. I have actually used it when I have trouble getting to sleep. 🙂 We all need the reminder that He is with us every moment. Blessings to you!
I often forget to breathe! I love the idea of the breath prayer. Thank you for sharing it :).
The breath prayer really does help me stop and focus and remember God is with me. I’m sure it will help you, too. Blessings to you, Anita! And thanks for hosting this 28 day challenge. Blessings to you!