There is a scene that plays out in TV or movies where a firefighter enters a building to rescue someone, only to find that person frozen in fear — unable to let go enough to be rescued. To find safety, that person has to surrender to the firefighter.

The words of a hymn read:

All to Jesus, I surrender

All to Him I freely give

I will ever love and trust him

In his presence daily live

I surrender all

I surrender all

All to thee my blessed savior

I surrender all

That's where a relationship with Christ starts — and that is how it stays healthy.

We see that David of the Old Testament understood this, especially in Psalm 51:

Have mercy on me...

For I recognize my rebellion...

A healthy relationship with God starts with surrendering to Him who you are, what you do, your family, and everything else.

Peace, You give me peace

When I let go and let you take control of my life

You give me life, abundant life

Filled with grace and mercy

You gave all to me

In Your final hour

I surrender to

Your cleansing power

Humbly, here I stand

Willing to let go

So I can know peace.

© copyright by Michael H. Smith, T.W. Hale, words used by permission