In the introduction to her insightful, unique collection of 40 devotions that are appropriate for the Lenten journey, author Mary DeMuth explains why surrendering to God is an essential spiritual practice: “Spiritual growth happens after reflecting, considering the sacrifice of Jesus, and preparing our hearts to remember all that he did for us. Though many people give up things (chocolate, for instance) to help them navigate this intentional celebration, what if our practice instead became surrender in every area of life? And what if that practice permeated our lives throughout the year? … What better way to celebrate our beautiful Savior than by letting go of the things that have held us back from fully following him?”
In each of the devotions, DeMuth presents a personal piece of art and an explanation about it, a Scripture passage within a meditation, and a prayer. As she fleshes out what it means to surrender to God, DeMuth covers five areas: one’s inner life, the past, relationships, daily life, and worries.
For example, in her section on surrendering daily life to God, DeMuth includes a devotion titled “I Surrender That Particular Outcome.” In her explanation of the artwork she created to illustrate her theme, she writes, “I painted a bull’s eye for this piece because it reveals my myopic view of what we want to happen. We pine for one outcome, forgetting the rest of the target is wide and allows for different ‘hits.’ And sometimes life hits us outside the target, yet we find the unexpected to still be a place of goodness.”
Readers who immerse themselves in DeMuth’s compassionate, inspiring devotions are sure to be strengthened in their faith, hope, and love for God.
(IVP)
About the Author
Sonya VanderVeen Feddema is a freelance writer and a member of Covenant CRC in St. Catharines, Ontario.