Does surrendering daily to Jesus feel like starting over every morning? Let me be real with you. Sometimes, even when we leave the old behind – especially something like the new age world – our hearts and minds still need a reset each day. I remember wondering, is it normal for this to feel hard? Am I doing something wrong if it’s not all rainbows and peace right away?
I think of Andrea’s story from our recent podcast episode. She shared the reality of years spent drawn to shiny promises, but always left empty on the inside. When God finally reached her, surrender looked nothing like a magic switch. It was a new habit she had to choose again and again. And honestly, that’s where I find Jesus meets us, too – right in the spot where letting go is a daily decision, not a one-time event.
What Does Surrendering Daily to Jesus Look Like When You’ve Left New Age?
Letting Go of the Old Patterns and Welcoming Something Better
Okay, how many of us have found ourselves picking up the old thoughts or practices before we even notice? There was a time when I thought freedom meant never feeling tempted again. But here’s the real deal – surrendering daily to Jesus honestly looks like recognizing those moments and handing them over, right then, every time.
For a long time, my morning routine was all about controlling my day. Andrea talked about that too. Maybe you had crystals or affirmations or silent meditation. Now, I start with something far more freeing. I talk with Jesus. Sometimes that’s a prayer out loud in my kitchen while the coffee is brewing. Sometimes it’s reading a verse on my phone. (Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way." CSB) It’s about inviting Him in instead of trying to fix myself.
Surrender Means We Let Jesus Speak Louder Than Our Past
Friend, I get it. The pull of old habits or beliefs can sneak up. Maybe it’s the idea that you have to manifest your life, or that a feeling means a truth. In our episode, Andrea said she found herself still saying affirmations in her head – quietly, out of habit. But every day, surrendering daily to Jesus has meant speaking truth out loud. Declaring scripture. Asking Him to take those places I still want to control. Not in silence, but in conversation. Making it relational, not ritual.
Here’s what I learned (and Andrea confirmed it) – daily surrender is about choosing Jesus as Lord every single morning. Some days, that’s in worship. Some days, it’s tears and honesty. But every day, it’s letting Him have the loudest voice.
How Do We Build a Christ-Centered Mindset After Leaving New Age Practices?
It Starts With the Smallest Shifts
Can I tell you something? Building a new mindset takes time, but it doesn’t have to feel impossible. Instead of needing new rules or more striving, surrendering daily to Jesus often comes down to small choices. When that old way of thinking pops up, pause. Ask, "Is this from Jesus?" If it’s not, you get to give it back. Replace it. I write verses on sticky notes and put them where I’ll see them – bathroom mirror, dashboard, even in my wallet.
We Are Not Alone in This New Mindset
There’s a reason the Bible talks so much about community, encouragement, and not trying to do life solo. One of the biggest surprises for Andrea was realizing she needed safe people who would answer her questions, pray with her, and walk this out together. I’ve needed that too. Even just texting a friend, "pray for me, I want to go back to old patterns today," is an act of surrender. And every time we choose connection over isolation, we are welcoming Christ to reshape our minds.
The Word of God Replaces Old Confusion With Clarity
If you felt confused or unsettled by all the "good vibes only" language of the new age, you’re not alone. Scripture gives us truth to stand on. Surrendering daily to Jesus means making His words our starting point, not just comfort when things go wrong. I use the YouVersion Bible app for quick access and different translations when I need them. Andrea said she found children’s Bible videos helpful in the early days. Learning is a process, and you’re never behind when you keep coming back to Him.
What If Surrender Feels Uncomfortable or Slow?
Give Yourself Patience – God Already Knows Your Pace
Let me say this loud and clear: it’s normal for surrender to feel awkward, and sometimes you’ll wonder, "Am I doing this right?" The Israelites wandered for forty years, but God never gave up on them. If it took just a moment to leave the old life behind, we’d miss out on how Jesus gently transforms us day by day. Andrea said it took time for her to notice the shifts. For me, it took lots of quiet mornings and honest prayers where I admitted, "Lord, I need your thoughts, not mine." That’s the heart of surrendering daily to Jesus.
Your Healing Is a Process, Not a Performance
Sometimes we believe that if we say yes to God, everything will instantly be better. In reality, our circumstances don’t always change overnight. But surrender means we start seeing life differently. We forgive ourselves for what took time. We learn to trust God’s timing. Allow yourself to heal at His pace. Invite the Holy Spirit to convict (not condemn) and guide you. Delight in how He replaces old striving with new freedom.
Practical Ways to Stay Christ-Centered in Everyday Life
Simple Actions That Keep You Close to Jesus
- Start your day by praying out loud – even if it feels strange, just talk to Him
- Read one Bible verse each morning, even if it’s the same verse all week
- Listen to worship music or sing familiar hymns (Andrea said singing wakes her up at 2 a.m. sometimes, and there’s something beautiful there)
- Be honest with others – ask for prayer when you’re tempted to fall into old habits
- Write down your struggles and also write down each time you see God’s hand in your day
I promise, surrendering daily to Jesus is not about getting every step right. It’s about giving Him your heart and your "yes" over and over, even when it’s messy. As you keep choosing Him, you’ll look back and realize just how much He’s changed your thoughts, your focus, and your sense of peace.
The Beauty of Surrender Is That We Are Transformed Over Time
On the podcast, I told Andrea that even after decades of darkness, Christ’s light breaks through. That’s not just a nice saying. I see it day after day as we lay down old beliefs and invite Jesus in. We start to experience what real freedom feels like. And honestly, our mindset starts to match the truth of who He says we are. Not in our own strength, but because we are surrendering daily to Jesus – together, one small faithful step at a time.
One Last Encouragement for Anyone Starting This Fresh
You Are Not Too Late to Begin Surrendering Daily to Jesus
If you’re leaving an old way behind or just starting to rebuild your faith, be gentle with yourself. God is patient. He is kind. He isn’t shocked by your doubts or your questions. He loves it when we show up with real honesty and a teachable heart. Surrender is not the end of struggle, but it is the beginning of true transformation. You’re in good company here – none of us get it right every day. That’s why we support each other and keep coming back to Jesus again and again.
If you want more stories like Andrea’s, or practical ways to live out your faith, listen to our latest episode of Perspectives Into Practice. You’ll hear hope, laughter, maybe a few tears, and a lot of real talk about what it means to keep surrendering daily to Jesus in our everyday lives. We’re in this together – and I can’t wait to see where He leads us next.
For extra encouragement, check out my other blog posts about building daily rhythms with God, and maybe read our earlier episode about overcoming fear with faith. There’s plenty of hope to go around. Go ahead – take that next brave step. Surrendering daily to Jesus is the best start you can make, no matter where you are coming from.
