Surrender: Anchoring Our Faith in God’s Covenant and Sovereignty

There’s a kind of surrender that doesn’t come from weakness or avoidance, but from bold, active faith.

In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat faces a vast and terrifying enemy. The armies of Moab, Ammon, and Mount Seir are coming against Judah. This is a paralyzing fear and discouragement that shatters the souls of the entire nation, for by human standards, this isn’t a fair fight. Jehoshaphat knows it. But instead of preparing his best warriors, he does something unexpected: he gathers the people and calls for fasting and prayer.

He lifts his eyes to YHWH, the covenant-keeping God of Israel, and admits, "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You" (v. 12). This is not the helplessness of a leader with no plan; it is the humility of a king who knows his place before the sovereign Elohim, Creator and Ruler over all.

YHWH is the personal name of God, often translated as "LORD" in our English Bibles. It represents God's unchanging, faithful, and relational nature, emphasizing His loving covenant with His people. When Jehoshaphat turns to YHWH, he is calling upon the God who has always been faithful to His promises, the God who binds Himself to His people with love and commitment.

In contrast, Elohim highlights God's sovereignty and supreme power. It is a name that reflects God's role as the Creator of all things, the One who holds the universe in His hands and governs everything that exists. Elohim speaks to God's majesty, omnipotence, and the fact that He is the ultimate authority in all matters, visible and invisible.

Together, these names show us the balance of God's faithful, covenantal love and His all-encompassing, authoritative power. Jehoshaphat acknowledges both God's intimate relationship with His people and His supreme authority over the world, recognizing that the battle belongs to Him alone.

And then the answer comes. It’s not a battle strategy, but a promise:

"Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s [Elohim]. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord [YHWH] will give you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord [YHWH] will be with you." (2 Chronicles 20:15, 17)

This Is What Active Faith Looks Like

Jehoshaphat doesn’t get to sit this one out. God doesn’t remove the threat. But He reminds them: this battle does not belong to you. You are not the commander—Elohim is. You are His people—YHWH, your faithful God, will go with you.

Active faith isn’t passive. It’s not about standing around and waiting for God to act while we formulate our own backup plans. It’s about turning to YHWH and Elohim first—in prayer, in fasting, in petition, and even lament. We begin not by solving, but by seeking. Not by analyzing, but by adoring. Not by planning, but by praying. Faith moves, but it moves in response to God, not ahead of Him.

Active Surrender Is Not Avoidance

We often imagine surrender as passive—doing nothing, giving up, backing down. But biblical surrender is different. It requires showing up. It requires laying down our illusion of control and stepping forward in obedience anyway. It's not spiritual apathy; it's spiritual courage.

When the people of Judah worshipped, they were not escaping reality. They were confronting it with the only weapon that mattered: faith in Elohim, the God who governs outcomes. Their eyes were on the covenant promises of YHWH, who had never once forsaken His people.

Their surrender was not passive. It was their battle posture.

Faith Isn’t the Absence of Action, It’s Obedient Movement

It’s worth noticing: God doesn’t say, "Stay home and I’ll take care of it." He says, "Go out to face them… Take your position… and watch what I will do."

Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is to stand firm where God tells us to stand even when we don’t know how it ends. Faith isn’t pretending we aren’t afraid. It’s trusting that YHWH’s promises are more real than what we feel.

Faith means moving forward even when the math doesn’t work, when the odds are against you, when the timeline doesn’t make sense because you trust Elohim, the God who is never late and never outmatched.

And true faith begins with a posture of the heart. When we recognize the abundant mercy of YHWH and the sovereignty of Elohim, it humbles us. We begin to see ourselves rightly—limited, dependent, and deeply in need of grace. That awareness invites repentance, not out of shame, but as a response to the mercy and justice of the One who reigns over all.

This is the heart of surrender:

Anxiety for trust.
Striving for rest.
Fear for hope.
Control for peace.

For Those Facing a Battle Right Now

Maybe you're standing at the edge of something that feels impossible. Maybe the army you’re facing is made of insecurity, fear, shame, unforgiveness, bitterness, exhaustion, or the slow drip of hope deferred.

You don’t have to know what to do next. You just need to lift your eyes and take your position—one of faith and repentance:

Take your position in the Word.
Take your position in prayer.
Take your position in obedience.
Take your position in truth.
Take your position in community.
Take your position in worship—even before the victory comes.

And before you rush to fix what feels broken, bring it first to the throne of Elohim. Lift your voice in prayer, petition, or even lament, declaring who He is and whatever your soul needs to say, because active faith begins not with your plans, but with your dependence on Him. The God who hears is also the God who fights.

And then, watch what YHWH, your covenant God, will do. Watch how Elohim, sovereign over all things, moves in ways no enemy can thwart.

The battle may not be yours to win. But it is yours to show up for.

Reflective Questions

1. What is one area of your life where you’ve been trying to fight in your own strength instead of bringing it first to God in prayer?

2. How might Elohim be inviting you to take your position in prayer, lament, or repentance before moving forward with plans or solutions?

3. In what ways is the Spirit prompting you to surrender control and respond in obedience?

4. How can you more intentionally fix your eyes on YHWH this week—through Scripture, prayer, worship, or community?

5. What would it look like for you to repent not out of shame, but in response to God’s mercy and sovereignty?

Let your surrender become your strength. Let your faith become your position. And let the Lord fight your battle.

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Faith Over Fear: Finding Certainty in God's Sovereignty

Fear is a universal emotion that affects every part of our lives. In today's polarized world, where a focus on sensationalism and divisive rhetoric often overshadows analytical reasoning and constructive dialogue, fear subtly shapes our decisions, frequently damaging relationships, hindering growth, and distancing us from God. Despite our best intentions, fear can distort our perception and judgment, leading us to act in counterproductive or harmful ways. The Bible contains numerous accounts of individuals who faltered or sinned out of fear. These biblical examples, combined with modern research, reveal how fear can be a powerful weapon for the enemy to lead us down destructive paths. But through God’s steadfast goodness, we can find hope and healing.

Biblical Examples of Fear-Driven Decisions

Throughout Scripture, we see how fear led even the most faithful followers astray despite God’s clear promises. Abraham, for example, was promised by God that he and Sarah would have a son, yet as they aged, fear caused him to doubt. Acting out of fear, Abraham had a son with Hagar, Sarah’s servant, leading to conflict and lasting consequences (Genesis 16). This story highlights how fear can push us to rely on human solutions rather than trusting in God’s covenant and timing.

Similarly, Jonah feared God’s calling to preach repentance to the people of Nineveh. Instead of trusting in God’s plan, Jonah fled, leading to his time in the belly of a great fish. His fear-driven disobedience only delayed God’s mercy, which Jonah eventually witnessed upon obeying.

Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, also gave in to fear. When Jesus was arrested, Peter denied knowing Him three times, driven by fear of being associated with Jesus and suffering the same fate (Luke 22:54-62). Despite his deep love for Jesus, Peter’s fear overpowered his courage at that moment.

The Power of Fear: Evidence-Based Perspectives

While fear is often viewed negatively, it serves an essential purpose in survival. Humans have an innate sense of fear toward dangerous creatures like snakes or spiders, a protective mechanism against potential harm. This type of fear, when accurately interpreted, keeps us safe.

However, fear can hijack rational thinking when it is exaggerated or misinterpreted. Research shows that fear activates the amygdala, the brain's fear center, and triggers the fight-or-flight response. While this is helpful in genuine danger, it can lead to irrational decisions when the perceived threat is imagined or inflated. Fear narrows our thinking, reducing complex issues to black-and-white terms, making everything feel urgent and overwhelming.

During this fight-or-flight response, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) increases heart rate and redirects blood flow to essential muscles, preparing the body for action. However, this also reduces blood flow to the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for problem-solving and decision-making—limiting our ability to think clearly. At the same time, the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which calms the body, becomes inactive. Without the PNS to help regulate fear, we struggle to regain composure and think logically, leading to snap judgments and irrational choices.

Studies highlight that healing from fear involves restoring the mind-body connection, re-engaging the prefrontal cortex, and allowing us to respond with reason rather than reaction.

Exploitation of Fear

Fear has been a powerful tool for control throughout history. During World War II, the Nazis exploited economic instability, national security fears, and cultural shifts to manipulate entire populations. Fear-based propaganda led many to support harmful ideologies in the name of self-preservation.

Similarly, fear is a common tactic in political campaigns. Politicians often appeal to public fears, framing issues in a way that creates a sense of crisis, instead of instilling hope. This leads to fear-driven decisions rather than informed ones, distorting public perception and polarizing communities.

Fear is also weaponized in abusive relationships. Domestic violence perpetrators create environments of unpredictability and fear to control their victims. Fear paralyzes, trapping victims in cycles of shame and guilt, making it difficult for them to see a way out.

The Bible’s Command: "Do Not Fear"

Scripture repeatedly instructs us not to fear. God understands the power fear can have over us, which is why He offers reassurance throughout the Bible. As one of my favorite verses says in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” Fear often holds us back from stepping into God’s promises, allowing the enemy to distort truth through panic and guilt. The enemy, whose name "diablo" means "to throw apart" or "scatter," uses fear to scatter our hearts, minds, souls, and bodies.

To calm our scattered selves, fear makes us crave certainty, leading us to resist discomfort with ambiguity, mystery, and anything that transcends our understanding. However, the only thing that is truly certain is that God is perfectly good and everything He promises in Scripture is trustworthy and unchanging. God gently reminds us in Isaiah 55:9, “For as heaven is higher than earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” He promises us His presence (Deuteronomy 31:6), provision (Matthew 6:31-33), protection (Psalm 91:4), peace (Psalm 29:11), strength (Isaiah 40:31), and plans for a hopeful future (Jeremiah 29:11). Most importantly, He promises us eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16). When we meditate on these promises, we’re reminded that while the world is uncertain and fear often presses in on us, God’s covenant is unchanging. Surrendering to Him means trusting that His promises are true and that His plans are always for our ultimate good.

Philippians 4:6-7: God’s Instructions to Fear

In Philippians 4:6-7, Scripture provides a powerful instruction to fear:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Let's break this down:

• Do not be anxious about anything: God calls us to know Him intimately and trust in His unchanging character, finding absolute certainty in Him. To truly know Him and prevent fear and worry from dominating our thoughts, we must make time to read and reflect on His living Word.

• But in every situation, by prayer and petition: Instead of letting fear dictate our actions, we’re invited to bring everything to God boldly in prayer. Prayer redirects our focus from the problem to God, who is greater than any fear.

• With thanksgiving: Gratitude shifts our perspective and reminds us of God’s faithfulness. When we reflect on what He has done for us, trusting Him becomes much easier.

• Present your requests to God: God, in His infinite knowledge, still desires an open and honest dialogue about our fears. Though He is all-knowing, He invites us to name our struggles before Him. Even when we fail to fully grasp His will, God, in His mercy, patiently responds to our fears and provides wisdom and provision to guide us (1 Kings 19).

• And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding: This peace is a divine gift that goes beyond human comprehension. It enables us to stand firm, equipped with the shoes of peace (Ephesians 6:15), allowing us to remain steadfast in our faith while also being swift to recognize and respond to the Enemy's schemes. To embrace this peace, we must challenge ourselves to be comfortable with God's unfathomable plans for our lives.

• Will guard your hearts and your minds: God is a perfect Father who is all-powerful and has already won the battle. In moments of fear, taking deep breaths reminds us of the breath of life, helping to pull us away from the panic of the fight-or-flight response. Instead, we can focus on dwelling in and resting in His presence.

Disarming Fear: Trusting in God's Sovereignty and Finding Hope

So, how do we overcome fear? By allowing God to take charge. The Bible teaches that God is sovereign—He is always good, and He is in control, even when things feel chaotic or frightening. When we trust in God's guidance, fear begins to lose its grip on us.

A powerful example of this can be seen in the account of Moses in Exodus 4:10-17. When God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, he was gripped by fear, doubting his own abilities. He responded, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent...I am slow of speech and tongue” (Exodus 4:10). Moses’ fear led him to believe he was inadequate for the task God had given him. Yet, God addressed this fear, reminding Moses that He, the Creator, had control over his ability to speak. Even as God corrected him, Moses doubted once more. In His mercy, God met Moses where he was, providing his brother Aaron to help him communicate and a staff that God would use to perform miraculous signs (Exodus 4:17). God doesn’t expect us to overcome fear on our own—He walks with us and equips us.

Instead of reacting out of fear, we can seek God and trust in His plans. Fear, though natural, doesn’t have to define us or scatter us. When we surrender our fears to God, we open ourselves to a life of deeper faith, love, and peace. More than that, we find hope—a hope rooted in God's promise of restoration and redemption. This hope anchors us, reminding us that no matter how overwhelming our circumstances may seem, God’s plan is for our good.

Take time to reflect: Are we acting out of fear or hope? Consider the role fear has played in your decisions, and ask yourself, how can you surrender these fears to God today? What would change if, instead of being driven by fear, we acted out of hope in God’s restoration? Let’s take a step forward, trusting that God's perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18).

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Prayer

Do you ever feel awkward, lost, or inadequate when it comes to prayer? Perhaps you struggle to find the "right" words or feel ashamed to approach God because of your sins or mistakes. You might even wonder if prayer is necessary since God already knows everything about you. But why is prayer important? It's because prayer is not just about informing God; it's about transforming us.

In the midst of life's chaos and distractions, prayer serves as a vital connection to God. While reading the Bible teaches us about His sovereignty and character, prayer prompts us to acknowledge them, our shortcomings, and our needs, helping us realign our focus and cultivate humility. Moreover, prayer fosters communication and relationship-building with God, offering guidance, wisdom, forgiveness, and opportunities for intercession and gratitude. Importantly, prayer doesn't have to be complicated. Matthew 6:7-8 reminds us that we don't need to use fancy words or lengthy phrases; rather, God values sincerity and authenticity in our prayers. Similarly, Romans 8:26 assures us that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, even when we struggle to find the right words. 

Psychological research has shed light on the therapeutic benefits of prayer, demonstrating significant improvements in regulating emotions, anxiety, and stress. This comes as no surprise, as we were designed to pray, to connect with God. Prayer parallels the process of identifying and labeling emotions, experiences, and problems. Just as naming emotions enhances self-awareness and regulation, prayer allows us to articulate our thoughts and feelings to God, fostering validation and normalization.

Moreover, in the practice of prayer, identifying problems can serve as a catalyst for gaining perspective, objectivity, and control over one's circumstances. This aligns with the biblical principle of keeping one's thoughts captive to obey Christ, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 10:5. Through prayerful reflection, individuals can approach challenges with greater clarity and discernment. Additionally, this process facilitates problem-solving, emotional regulation, and coping mechanisms. By recognizing that difficulties are not inherent to one's identity but rather external factors, including the Enemy, individuals can mitigate feelings of shame or self-blame, as these external factors can be addressed or managed.

Furthermore, prayer provides emotional support, aiding in our transition out of the fight-or-flight state and cultivating a sense of peace as we acknowledge God's sovereignty and recognize His ultimate authority over our circumstances. This sense of peace also comes from knowing that in prayer, we are not alone or isolated; rather, we are in fellowship with God, which can bring comfort and reassurance in times of distress. This approach underscores the therapeutic nature of prayer, offering individuals a pathway to resilience and spiritual growth.

Consider the Lord's Prayer, a model of prayer taught by Jesus Himself. In its simplicity, it covers essential aspects of prayer: Acknowledging God's holiness, submitting to His will, seeking provision and forgiveness, and requesting guidance and protection. Each element serves a purpose, guiding believers in their approach to prayer and reinforcing the importance of intimacy with God. If you would like more information on the breakdown of the Lord’s Prayer, I would recommend reading this article: https://www.christianity.com/wiki/prayer/breakdown-of-the-lords-prayer.html

In summary, prayer is not merely a religious obligation but a transformative practice that empowers us to navigate life in this broken world with clarity and compassion. By embracing prayer as a means of seeking intimacy with our Creator and finding healing, we recognize that we are not alone in navigating the challenges of this dark world. Prayer becomes a pathway to experiencing the profound intimacy and grace of God's presence, providing solace and strength amidst life's uncertainties. As we lift our voices in prayer, we acknowledge God's sovereignty, trusting in His goodness and wisdom that far surpasses our understanding (Ephesians 3:20). Even when faced with difficulties beyond our comprehension, prayer reminds us of God's steady love and His plans for us. Isaiah 41:10 reassures us, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Through prayer, we surrender our worries, fears, and control, finding comfort in knowing that God's purposes prevail and His grace is sufficient for every trial.

www.sandraleecounseling.com