Start With Surrender episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 1, 2026 · 7 MIN

Start With Surrender

from Daily Devotions for Busy Lives

Tired of starting each year with big resolutions and the same old anxiety? In this New Year’s episode, learn why beginning with surrender to God’s lead is better than any plan you could write on your own.Do you ever feel pressure to map out the whole year, set goals, fix yourself, and make sure nothing goes “off plan”?We rush into January depending on our own understanding: detailed five‑year plans, tight control, and a quiet fear that if we don’t get everything right, we’ll miss God’s will. Then life shifts, plans change, and we’re left anxious, wondering if we’ve blown it before the year even gets going.In this New Year’s Day episode, you’ll hear how Hudson Taylor walked away from a stable medical career plan to follow God’s call to China, trusting Proverbs 3:5–6 more than his own script for success. You’ll see that the best way to begin the year isn’t with “Here’s what I’ll do for You, God,” but with “Lord, I’m Yours. Show me which path to take.” Starting with surrender doesn’t make the year predictable, but it does make it anchored—in God’s wisdom, not just your own.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:Why resolutions built only on your own understanding leave you stressed when plans changeHow Proverbs 3:5–6 invites you to trust God’s character more than your ability to control the futureA simple way to start this year with open‑handed surrender, asking God to direct your steps day by dayShare This Episode:https://www.dailydevotionsforbusylives.com/143Want to keep these devotions coming? Please consider supporting this podcast.https://www.dailydevotionsforbusylives.com/support/Connect with BartFacebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/dailydevotionsforbusylivesWebsite: https://www.dailydevotionsforbusylives.comFeeling spiritually drained? Start here. Download your free copy of my eBook Making Time for Jesus here.Mentioned in this episode:Subscribe to the NewsletterIf you’d like weekly encouragement delivered straight to your inbox, plus a free copy of my eBook Making Time for Jesus, sign up for the Daily Devotions for Busy Lives newsletter at https://www.dailydevotionsforbusylives.com/subscribe.Join Our Private Facebook CommunityIf you're looking for a place to connect with other Daily Devotions listeners and pray for each other, I'd love for you to join our private Facebook community group. Come find us at https://www.dailydevotionsforbusylives.com/group

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This episode was published on January 1, 2026.

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