Surrendering to God is a key theme throughout the Bible. Here are some key Bible verses about surrendering our lives, plans, desires, and futures to God:
1. Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV)
This oft-quoted verse reminds us that we are to fully rely on and submit to God’s perfect will and timing, rather than trying to control life ourselves. We are to acknowledge God in everything we do, trusting that He will guide our steps.
2. Matthew 16:24 – Take up your cross and follow Jesus.
“Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24 ESV)
Jesus calls all who would be his disciples to surrender their own desires and selfish ambitions. We must “die” to ourselves and live fully for Christ instead. This verse reminds us to daily surrender our agendas to follow and serve Jesus.
3. Romans 12:1 – Offer your bodies as living sacrifices.
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” (Romans 12:1 ESV)
Surrendering to God is described as spiritual worship. We demonstrate submission to God’s will by daily offering ourselves to Him, laying down our own desires to be used as He sees fit for His glory.
4. James 4:7 – Submit yourselves to God.
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7 ESV)
This verse directly instructs us to submit to God’s authority over our lives. As we do this, we are able to resist the enemy’s schemes and walk in greater spiritual victory.
5. Galatians 2:20 – It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20 ESV)
When we surrender, it is no longer our old, worldly self that is in charge. Rather, we let Jesus live His life through us each day by the power of the Holy Spirit. We walk by faith, trusting Him fully.
6. Luke 9:23 – Take up your cross daily and follow Me.
“And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23 ESV)
Surrender is not a one-time choice, but an ongoing, daily commitment. Each day we must surrender control to Jesus all over again, denying ourselves and saying “Yes” to His will and plans.
7. Joshua 24:15 – Choose to serve the Lord.
“And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15 ESV)
Joshua boldly challenges God’s people to decide who they will serve. There are only two options – surrender and serve the one true God, or serve false idols. The choice is ours, but Joshua declares his commitment to serve the Lord.
8. John 15:5 – Apart from Me you can do nothing.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 ESV)
On our own we can accomplish nothing of eternal value. It is only through surrendering and relying fully on Christ that we can be spiritually fruitful. Apart from Him, we wither and fade.
9. Philippians 2:3-4 – In humility value others above yourselves.
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4 ESV)
A key aspect of surrender is humbly submitting our own interests and agendas to meet the needs of others, as Christ did for us. We reflect His surrender through serving one another.
10. Romans 6:13 – Offer yourselves to God as instruments of righteousness.
“Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.” (Romans 6:13 ESV)
God calls us to surrender our desires and abilities to Him so He can use us for His glory. Instead of serving sin, we now live fully for righteousness by His grace and power.
11. Jeremiah 29:11 – God knows the plans He has for you.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11 ESV)
God promises that His perfect plans for our lives are always for our good. When we surrender control to Him, we can walk in confidence that He holds the future.
12. 1 Peter 5:6-7 – Humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV)
As we humble ourselves and cast our cares on the Lord, surrendering our troubles and worries to Him, He will lift us up and work all things for good.
13. Psalm 37:5 – Commit your way to the Lord.
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” (Psalm 37:5 ESV)
This psalm urges us to commit our lives fully into God’s hands, trusting Him to guide and provide rather than trying to control outcomes ourselves.
14. Isaiah 26:3 – God will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast.
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3 ESV)
As we fix our thoughts on God through prayer and Scripture, surrendering our anxious thoughts to Him, He promises supernatural peace and stability.
15. Matthew 11:28 – Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 ESV)
When we feel burdened and overwhelmed, Jesus invites us to surrender all our cares to Him. In return, He promises rest and refreshment for our souls.
16. Psalm 62:5 – Find rest, O my soul, in God alone.
“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.” (Psalm 62:5 ESV)
This Psalm reminds us that true rest and hope are found when we quiet our souls before God and wait patiently for Him in surrendered trust.
17. Psalm 46:10 – Be still, and know that I am God.
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10 ESV)
Being still before God requires surrendering our hurry and anxiety. As we are still, focusing on who God is, we find peace knowing He is in control.
18. Romans 12:2 – Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2 ESV)
Surrendering our thoughts and mindset to Christ allows Him to transform our thinking and priorities to match His perfect will and plan.
19. Isaiah 43:1-3 – Do not fear, for I have redeemed you.
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” (Isaiah 43:1-3 ESV)
In fearful times, we can surrender our worries to God, trusting that since He has redeemed us, He promises to be with us and protect us.
20. 2 Corinthians 12:9 – God’s grace is sufficient for you.
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV)
When we feel incapable in our own strength, surrendering our weakness to Christ allows His power and grace to sustain us fully.
21. Hebrews 12:2 – Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith.
“Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2 ESV)
Keeping our focus on Christ, surrendering distractions to follow His example, allows Him to complete His work in our lives as we grow in faith.
22. Deuteronomy 31:8 – The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you.
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV)
In times of transition and uncertainty, surrendering fear and embracing this promise allows us to follow God’s leading, knowing He goes before us.
23. Psalm 139:23-24 – Search me and know my heart, O God.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:23-24 ESV)
Surrendering our hearts in humility to God’s searching allows Him to reveal sin or idols we may be clinging to, leading us to repentance and eternal life.
24. Psalm 23:1 – The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1 ESV)
This beloved psalm paints a picture of surrendered trust, like a sheep following its shepherd’s leading and trusting Him for provision and protection.
25. Isaiah 30:15 – In quietness and trust is your strength.
“In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”
(Isaiah 30:15 ESV)
When we feel weak, God invites us to find strength through surrendered waiting, trusting Him fully rather than relying on our own effort and noise.
26. Exodus 14:14 – The Lord will fight for you.
“The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” (Exodus 14:14 ESV)
When facing battles that seem too big for us, God calls us to surrender them to Him, trusting that He will fight on our behalf as we wait on Him.
27. Psalm 55:22 – Cast your cares on the Lord.
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” (Psalm 55:22 ESV)
Rather than carrying heavy loads of worry ourselves, God invites us to surrender it all to Him, trusting His promise to sustain us.
28. Isaiah 41:10 – Do not fear, for I am with you.
“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.” (Isaiah 41:10 ESV)
We can surrender all fear into God’s hands, trusting His personal promise to be with us, strengthen us, and uphold us.
29. Psalm 31:14-15 – My times are in your hand.
“But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors!” (Psalm 31:14-15 ESV)
Rather than trying to control situations ourselves, surrendering trust means putting all our times and days into God’s hands, asking Him for deliverance.
30. 2 Timothy 1:7 – God gave us a spirit of power, love and self-discipline.
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7 ESV)
Surrendering fear allows God’s Spirit to empower us to walk in confidence, love and disciplined obedience to His call.