Jessica Kastner

Surrendering is often associated with giving up something against our will, or a defeated wave of the white flag after experiencing loss. But Biblical surrender is thankfully the opposite. The Biblical definition of surrender is relinquishing our own\ desires and embracing God’s plan for our lives. When we surrender something to God…a habit, a vice, a relationship, a dream, etc.…we always receive something better in its place. We receive freedom from bondage and control, and freedom to become better, freer versions of ourselves.

 2 Corinthians 3:17 says “Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is Freedom.” So, let’s say we surrender our right to feel happy 100 percent of the time and accept God’s leading to stay and fight for our marriage. Oh, we may decide to surrender to unhealthy eating or drinking habits. When we really say to the Lord, “Okay, I’m willing to try things your way now,” there’s always a sweet feeling of relief, despite the initial resistance and difficulty. When the fight to do or not do something against God’s will is over, the Holy Spirit takes over, enabling and empowering us to walk in His freedom.

Photo Credit: GettyImages/Boonyachoat

Life is hard, and circumstantial seasons of loneliness, stress, sickness, and sadness are painfully unavoidable on this side of heaven. Thankfully, one of my greatest gifts from God happens to be a freakish ability to maintain joy even during what I call the "funks" of life or those prolonged seasons of "blah-ness" where nothing seems to be going right, and we feel about as inspired as a piece of charcoal. Here are some of my best practices for getting yourself out of a funk.