Slowing Down Through Surrender
SAMANTHA DECKER, COMPEL Pro Member
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“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)
Carefully, I stacked the last plastic cup on top of the pyramid just as the ear-piercing buzzer screamed, indicating the minute was up. But as I moved my hand, I realized in my hurry, I’d set the cup off-center. I watched in dismay as the pyramid toppled, taking my “Minute to Win It” dreams of victory with it.
Lately, “Minute to Win It” games have been all the rage in my house, with my three competitive sons and one baby girl who loves the chaos. These games — whether cup stacking, ball balancing or attempting trick shots — are all about one rule: You only have one minute.
In a much more significant way, God has given each of us an allotted amount of time on earth. Psalm 139:16 says, “Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me” (ESV).
We can’t add even a second to our lives, yet we often rush around, planning, controlling and manipulating situations in an attempt to do and be more.
God has gently shown me that control and hurry are two edges of the same sword. Both reveal a lack of trust in God’s sovereignty and instead elevate a “me mindset” — one that prioritizes my plans over the bigger picture of God’s eternal work.
So how can we embrace the “minute” we’ve been given and surrender our plans to God’s purposes?
It begins by trusting that God is who He says He is and resting securely in His hands.
David knew what it was to wait on the Lord, surrender control and trust God’s greater purposes. From shepherd to king, David experienced God’s faithfulness. In Psalm 31:14-15, amid turmoil, David cried, “But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hand.”
When I feel the urge to try to control situations, I cling to this scripture and remember God is my Provider, Protector and Sustainer. Instead of choosing to hurry, obsessively overplan, or constantly forfeit rest for productivity, God invites us to surrender our days to Him. In this surrender, there is peace and freedom.
Practically, this may look like:
- Setting a timer to pray before scrolling on your phone.
- Saying “no” to one thing this week.
- Scheduling an hour of free time — designated to be open to whatever God has planned.
Are you striving to trust the Lord wholeheartedly? Are you choosing to surrender to God your desire for control? Have you experienced the peace and freedom God offers when you choose to rest in Him?
He is merciful and holds your time in His hand.
Father, You are my Provider and Sustainer. Thank You for holding my days in Your sovereign hands. Will You help me to trust You more? Please slow my pace, open my eyes, and give me rest in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
Does it feel like your to-do list is never-ending? Do you chronically experience the fatigue and desperation of rushing from one thing to another? In her new book, Unhurried, Samantha Decker invites you to learn about margin — what it is, how Jesus created it, and how you can experience the joy of slowing down and surrendering control to God. Get it here!
ENGAGE
Head over to Samantha’s Instagram today, where she is giving away some copies of her new book, Unhurried!
You can also connect with Samantha on Facebook or sign up for her monthly newsletter at samanthadeckerwrites.com.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Proverbs 19:21, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails” (NIV).
How do you respond when plans change or get derailed? Does your response reflect trust in God’s sovereignty? Take time to pray and ask God to help you surrender to His purposes today.
We’d love to hear from you — share your thoughts in the comments!
© 2025 by Samantha Decker. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
