Absolute Surrender

Another one of my "new-favorite" authors is a French Christian named Fenelon (1651-1715). Now, you may say, what can a 17th century teacher have to say that would apply to 21st century living? The longer I live, the more I see that there really isn't anything new under the sun. . .
One of Fenelon's collection of writings is named "The Seeking Heart," and is a collection of answers to questions he received from some of his students and others with whom he encountered. On this Resurrection Sunday, I've been thinking of this one letter in particular. I know that "surrender" may not be a popular concept; in fact, I used to look at surrender as giving up, or just accepting defeat. Surrender to God, however, is giving up; giving up my will, my rights, my demands, to a Sovereign who loves me so much that He gave up His only Son to die a terrible death in my place, and then raised Him from the dead to defeat death once and for all.
As much as the reflections today are on joy and newness and life and resurrection, what I really desired for so many years was peace and calm and security. My life for so many years was marked by chaos and insecurity; I longed for that "boring, ordinary life" that I thought others had but I would never attain. I found true peace and calm and joy, not through my own efforts, but in truly deciding and learning to "Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10 Amplified Bible
Fenelon writes. . .
Inward peace comes with absolute surrender to the will of God. You need to come to a simple calmness of spirit which comes from giving up everything to God and having patience with your neighbor. Learn to accept counsel with humility and straightforwardness. This will help you grow closer to God.
The reason you feel so agitated is that you do not accept everything that happens to you with complete trust in God. Put everything in His hand, and offer yourself to Him as a sacrifice. The moment you stop wanting things to be your way, you will be free from so much worry and concern. You won't have to hide anything or make up excuses for anything.
Until you reach this point of surrender, your life will be full of trouble and aggravation. Your talents will torment you. Your religious ideals will condemn you. So give your heart wholly to God and you will find peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
I've found such freedom in being a bondslave. . .and peace and joy and contentment. I pray that you would find such freedom and peace as well.