How to Make Jesus Lord of Your Life [BiblePeople]

You're ready to make Jesus Lord of your life! Recognize your need for Him, and acknowledge you're not in control. Let go of self-control and seek forgiveness and redemption. Study the Bible daily, praying with a humble heart, and obey God's commandments. Serve others in love, and find freedom in surrender. Walking in faith and obedience, you'll experience deeper purpose, peace, and joy. As you start this journey, remember that surrender is a daily practice, and with each step, you'll discover a life of freedom, purpose, and joy – and that's just the beginning of your transformative journey with Jesus.

Recognize Your Need for Jesus

As you take an honest look at your life, you'll likely realize that you're not as in control as you thought, and that's exactly where you need Jesus to step in. You may have thought you were doing okay, but deep down, you know you're struggling. You're tired of feeling spiritually bankrupt, like you're just going through the motions without any real purpose or direction. You're tired of the inner emptiness that can't be filled by material possessions or fleeting pleasures.

The truth is, you're not meant to do life on your own. You're meant to have a relationship with the One who created you, and that's Jesus. He's the one who can bring true fulfillment and direction to your life. Recognizing your need for Jesus is the first step towards making Him Lord of your life. It takes humility and honesty, but it's the only way to experience the freedom, peace, and joy that comes from surrendering to His lordship. So, take a step back, be honest with yourself, and acknowledge your need for Jesus. He's waiting for you.

Let Go of Self-Control

Having tried to steer your life's ship solo, you're likely exhausted from the futile effort to control every aspect of your existence, and it's time to surrender the wheel to Jesus. It's an intimidating task, but letting go of self-control is an essential step in making Jesus Lord of your life. You've tried to navigate life on your own terms, but it's led to burnout and frustration. Now, it's time to relinquish control and let Jesus take the reins.

To do this, you'll need to engage in some soul searching and mindfulness practices. Here are a few strategies to get you started:

Practice surrender: Take a few moments each day to pray, 'Jesus, I surrender my life to you. Take control and guide me.'
Let go of outcomes: Release your need to control the outcome of every situation, and instead, trust that Jesus has a plan.
Embrace uncertainty: Recognize that you can't control everything, and that's okay. Uncertainty can be a catalyst for growth and trust in Jesus.
Seek guidance: Regularly seek Jesus' guidance through prayer and scripture, asking for wisdom and direction in your life.

Seek Forgiveness and Redemption

You've taken the first step in surrendering control to Jesus, and now it's crucial to seek forgiveness and redemption, acknowledging that your attempts to steer your life's ship solo have led to mistakes and hurts that need healing. The consequences of sin weigh heavily on your heart, and it's vital to confront the moral failures that have tainted your relationships and decisions. Jesus offers a way out of this darkness, inviting you to seek divine pardon and experience spiritual renewal. As you humble yourself, offer heartfelt apologies to those you've wronged, and ask for forgiveness from the One who has been waiting to lavish you with heavenly mercy. Don't be afraid to confront the depth of your mistakes – Jesus' sacrifice has already covered them. In His mercy, He'll guide you through the process of forgiveness, redemption, and restoration. As you seek forgiveness, you'll discover a sense of freedom and renewal that will propel you toward a life surrendered to Jesus' loving leadership.

Study the Bible Daily

With the Bible as your daily companion, its timeless wisdom and guidance will transform your thoughts, emotions, and actions, empowering you to make Jesus the Lord of your life. As you explore the scriptures, you'll discover the profound impact it has on your daily life. Here are some practical ways to make Bible study a habit:

Start with Morning Pages: Begin your day by reading a chapter or two, and then reflect on what you've read. Write down your thoughts, insights, and questions. This helps you process and apply the scripture to your life.
Practice Scripture Memorization: Memorize key verses that resonate with you. This will help you recall God's promises and principles in times of need.
Read with intention: Don't just read for information; read for transformation. Ask yourself, 'What is God saying to me through this passage?' or 'How can I apply this scripture to my life?'
Join a Bible study group: Surround yourself with like-minded believers who can encourage and support you in your spiritual journey.

Pray With a Humble Heart

As you seek to make Jesus Lord of your life, prayer becomes an essential component, and it begins with recognizing your dependence on God, acknowledging that apart from Him, you can do nothing. This humility is the foundation of a thriving prayer life, where you surrender your will to His. When you pray with a humble heart, you open yourself up to true intimacy with God. Your prayers become infused with heartfelt gratitude, acknowledging God's sovereignty and goodness in your life.

In this posture, you're able to surrender your desires, fears, and doubts to God, trusting in His perfect plan. Genuine surrender isn't about getting what you want, but about aligning your will with God's. As you pray with a humble heart, you'll experience a deeper sense of peace, guidance, and wisdom. You'll begin to see God's hand at work in your life, and your faith will grow as you trust in His goodness. So, come to God with a humble heart, and watch as your prayers become a powerful catalyst for transformation in your life.

Surround Yourself With Faith

Now that you've cultivated a humble heart in prayer, it's time to surround yourself with faith, recognizing that the people you surround yourself with can either fuel or drain your spiritual journey. As you endeavor to make Jesus Lord of your life, it's crucial to be intentional about the company you keep.

To surround yourself with faith, consider the following:

Join a Faith Community: Find a church or fellowship where you can worship, learn, and grow with like-minded believers.
Find Spiritual Accountability: Identify a mentor or accountability partner who can encourage and support you in your spiritual journey.
Attend Faith-Building Events: Participate in conferences, retreats, and workshops that nourish your faith and provide opportunities for spiritual growth.
Read Inspirational Content: Fill your mind with uplifting books, devotionals, and online resources that fuel your faith and inspire spiritual growth.

Obey God's Commandments

By embracing obedience to God's commandments, you'll experience the transformative power of living a life surrendered to His will. As you surrender your life to Jesus, you'll begin to understand the importance of living according to God's principles. Obedience isn't about earning Heavenly Rewards, but about deepening your relationship with God and aligning yourself with His purpose. It's about cultivating Spiritual Discipline, which enables you to live a life that honors God.

Serve Others in Love

Your hands, once used for selfish pursuits, can now be used to serve others, just as Jesus did, demonstrating love and compassion to a world in need. As you surrender your life to Jesus, you'll find a new desire to serve others in love. This is the essence of being a disciple of Christ – to love and serve others as He did.

Here are some practical ways to serve others in love:

Volunteer opportunities: Look for opportunities to volunteer at local organizations, such as food banks, homeless shelters, or nursing homes. These acts of service can bring hope and joy to those in need.
Community outreach: Get involved in community outreach programs, such as neighborhood clean-ups, charity events, or disaster relief efforts. These initiatives can help build stronger, more compassionate communities.
Mentorship: Share your skills, experience, and wisdom with someone who could benefit from your guidance. This can be a powerful way to invest in someone's life and help them grow.
Random acts of kindness: Look for opportunities to show kindness to strangers, such as buying someone's coffee or holding the door open for someone. These small acts can bring joy and brighten someone's day.

Find Freedom in Surrender

As you surrender your life to Jesus, you'll discover that freedom from the burdens of sin and self-centeredness is just a prayer away. This freedom is not just a feeling, but a reality that comes from surrendering your heart and will to Jesus. When you surrender, you're choosing to let go of the weights that hold you back from experiencing God's best for your life.

In this surrender, you'll find freedom from the grip of sin and the stronghold of self. You'll experience a heart transformation, where your desires and motivations are reoriented to align with God's will. This freedom is not just a one-time event, but a continuous process of surrender, where you daily lay down your life and pick up your cross to follow Jesus.

In this freedom, you'll be empowered to resist the lies and attacks of the enemy in spiritual warfare. You'll be able to stand firm in your faith, knowing that Jesus has already won the battle. As you surrender your life to Jesus, you'll discover a life of freedom, where you're no longer controlled by your flesh, but empowered by the Spirit to live a life that honors God.

Walk in Faith and Obedience

You'll find that walking in faith and obedience is the natural next step in your journey of surrender, where you'll learn to trust Jesus' guidance and provision in every area of your life. As you surrender your life to Jesus, you'll discover that faith and obedience are essential components of your spiritual growth.

To walk in faith and obedience, remember:

Embrace Spiritual Accountability: Hold yourself accountable to God's Word, and surround yourself with people who will encourage and support you in your faith journey.
Practice Faithful Perseverance: Trust that God is working everything for your good, even when circumstances seem difficult or uncertain.
Seek Guidance: Pray for wisdom and discernment in every decision you make, and be open to the Holy Spirit's guidance.
Obey Without Hesitation: When you sense God's prompting, respond promptly and obediently, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone.

As you walk in faith and obedience, you'll experience a deeper sense of purpose, peace, and joy. Remember, Jesus is your Lord, and He desires to guide and direct you in every aspect of your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Still Sin and Be a Follower of Jesus?

You wonder, can I still sin and be a follower of Jesus? Honestly, as a believer, you'll still struggle with sin, but that's not a free pass to keep sinning. Genuine repentance is key. When you surrender to Jesus, you're not perfect, but you're freed from sin's grip. You'll experience spiritual freedom, and though you'll stumble, you'll be empowered to overcome. Don't be discouraged by setbacks; instead, lean into God's grace and keep moving forward.

How Do I Handle Doubts and Fears About My Faith?

You're torn between the warmth of faith and the chill of doubt. One moment, you're soaring on the wings of spiritual whispers; the next, you're drowning in a sea of uncertainty. Faith crises are a normal part of the journey. Remember, even Jesus' disciples doubted. Don't be afraid to confront your fears – they're an opportunity for growth. Instead of pushing doubts away, lean into them. Ask the hard questions, and let the Holy Spirit guide you through the darkness into the light of unwavering faith.

Is It Necessary to Attend Church to Be a Good Christian?

You wonder if attending church is necessary to be a good Christian. Honestly, it's not about checking a box, but about cultivating a deep spiritual discipline. Corporate worship and being part of a faith community can foster growth, accountability, and support. Ultimately, it's about your personal conviction to follow Jesus. While church attendance isn't the only measure of faith, it can be a powerful catalyst for spiritual growth and a deeper connection with God.

Can I Still Have Fun and Enjoy Life as a Christian?

You might wonder, "Can I still have fun and enjoy life as a Christian?" Absolutely! Being a Christian doesn't mean you have to give up the things you love. You can still pursue Christian hobbies that bring you joy, like serving at a local soup kitchen or participating in a faith-based sports team. And, you can enjoy faithful entertainment that uplifts and inspires you, like Christian music or movies that reflect your values.

Will I Lose My Identity and Autonomy in Surrendering to Jesus?

You may worry that surrendering to Jesus means losing your identity and autonomy. But, surprisingly, it's the opposite. When you surrender, you'll experience Spiritual Freedom, no longer bound by self-centered desires. Sacrificial Living, though it may seem counterintuitive, brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment. You'll discover a new you, free to live an authentic, meaningful life, unshackled from the world's expectations. Jesus doesn't erase your identity; He refines it, making you the best version of yourself.