The Joy of Surrender
Why Letting Go of the World Brings True Peace
One of the main reasons many people hesitate to fully submit to Jesus is because they don’t want to let go of the world. They fear that giving up their current lifestyles—especially the sinful pleasures they enjoy—will make life dull and unenjoyable. The enemy deceives them into thinking that following Jesus means missing out. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Satan’s Greatest Deception
Satan works hard to convince people that true happiness is found in worldly pleasures. He did it with Eve in the Garden (Genesis 3:4-6), and he still does it today. He whispers, “You’ll be missing out. God just wants to take away your fun.” But Jesus tells us the opposite:
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” — John 10:10 (NKJV)
Sin may feel pleasurable for a moment (Hebrews 11:25), but it always leads to emptiness, regret, and ultimately, death (Romans 6:23). What the world calls fun—partying, materialism, immorality, selfish ambition—is a trap. It enslaves people while making them believe they’re free. But true freedom is found in Christ alone (John 8:36).
A Testimony of Transformation
I know what it’s like to love the world. I used to cling to it, wanting to fit in, not wanting to miss out. I liked to think I was saved, but deep down, I wasn’t willing to fully surrender. Looking back, I cringe at the way I lived. I wasted years deceiving myself. But once I truly let go and submitted to Jesus, everything changed.
Now, I see clearly. I would never go back. The joy, peace, and contentment that come from knowing Christ surpass anything the world could ever offer. Instead of chasing temporary highs, I experience deep fulfillment in my family, in helping others, and in studying God’s Word. I no longer fear missing out—I rejoice in what I have gained in Christ.
Nothing Compares to Christ
Paul understood this truth when he wrote:
“But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ.” — Philippians 3:7-8 (NKJV)
Whatever we give up for Jesus is nothing compared to what we gain in Him. A life devoted to Christ is not a life of restriction—it is a life of freedom, joy, and purpose. And ultimately, it leads to the greatest reward of all: eternal life in His presence.
The Best Decision You’ll Ever Make
Letting go of the world isn’t a loss; it’s the best decision you will ever make. When you fully surrender, you will find:
True peace (Philippians 4:7)
Unshakable joy (John 15:11)
Purpose and fulfillment (Ephesians 2:10)
The hope of eternal life (1 John 2:17)
The day will come when we will see Jesus face to face. On that day, nothing in this world will matter—only whether we followed Him. There is no better friend, no greater treasure, and no deeper love than what we have in Christ. Don’t let the world hold you back. Let go, and follow Him. You will never regret it.