The Evangelist Speaks

by Evangelist Carolyn Griffin

Give Yourself Away

I have fallen in love with the song, “I Give Myself Away”, by the Psalmist William McDowell. As we enter into the Gift Giving Season, let us pause and reflect on the words of this song.  

     I give myself away. I give myself away so you can use me.

     I give myself away. I give myself away so you can use me.

     Here I am. Here I stand. Lord my life is in your hands.

     Lord I’m longing to see, Your desires revealed in me. 

     I give myself away. I give myself away so you can use me.

     Take my heart. Take my life, as a living sacrifice.

     All my dreams, all my plans; Lord, I place them in your hands.

     I give myself away. I give myself away so you can use me.

     My life is not my own. To you I belong.

     I give myself, I give myself to you.

God gave us the greatest gift of all when He gave His Son, Jesus. What have we given to Him in return? In Romans 12:1, Paul earnestly asked us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service. When we give ourselves totally and completely to Him, we become yielded vessels, ready to be used in Kingdom service. We let go of our fleshly desires and worldly lust. We die to our ways and ideals, and allow God to have His way in our lives. We become living sacrifices and strive to walk holy and righteously before a Holy and Righteous God.  According to Psalms 37:4, we are to delight ourselves in the Lord; and He shall give us the desires of our hearts. When we delight in Him, we find joy in keeping His commandments. We find contentment in serving others. We spend time with Him, learning His voice and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us. Our desires become His desires. His plans and purpose for our lives are revealed to us and we begin to walk in them. We rest in His peace and have a blessed assurance that He is in control of our lives.   

We are not our own. We have been bought with a price. What an awesome price Jesus paid for us. He gave His life so that we might live. Jesus redeemed us back to God, and as Christians, we already belong to Him. Yet, He gives us the choice to surrender our lives and our wills completely to Him. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. God has need of you in His Kingdom Service. Will you give yourself away, so He can use you? Not only during the Holiday Season, but give God your all, every day of the rest of your life. Your life is not your own. To Him, you belong. Give Yourself Away!!