To enjoy life fully, we surrender control to God. Of course, this is merely admits the truth: God has final authority. Ironically, to really enjoy giving it over to Him, we must also be active – exerting our own efforts even when progress is slow and the result uncertain.

A sign of surrender is upraised and open palms. When police command a criminal to put his hands over his head, they know he is less able to take aggressive action. But the maneuver serves another important function.

Raising one’s arms stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. This has a calming effect, counteracting the sympathetic “fight-flight” response. While the sympathetic response moves blood to the extremities and prepares us for action, parasympathetic activation moves blood to the torso, facilitating digestion and the sexual response.

While we use our hands to work with all our might, approaching God with hands raised and empty shows our willingness to lay everything down. The posture of surrender demonstrates we know without Him we can do nothing. Thus, we give all effort and striving to Him, knowing He takes them willingly.

Surrender calms the soul and ushers us into gratitude, peaceful well-being, and joyful rest. No wonder the apostle Paul wanted everyone to pray with hands raised, without anger or disputing. (I Timothy 2:8)

If you are not already in the habit, try raising your hands high in worship and prayer. It will dampen frustration and anxieties, and help you release tension and your own efforts at control to God. Surrender is a key activity for childlike trust. Think you might look goofy if you lift your hands? Afraid someone will judge you? Surrender that, too!

Like a little child raising its arms to mom or dad, wanting to be lifted up, show God you trust Him to carry you and the burdens you bear. Surrender all to Him with a simple gesture. Let peace reign.

“All to Jesus, I surrender. All to Him I freely give.

I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence daily live.”