The Peace of Surrender: Trusting God in the Storms

As men, we are often told to be strong. To be the providers, the protectors, the leaders. We are expected to carry burdens, to shoulder responsibility, and to keep going no matter what. Society tells us that we should always have it together. But how many of us feel the weight of the world pressing down on our shoulders, even when we're trying to be the men we know we should be? The truth is, we are human. And as much as we want to be strong, sometimes the very things we carry—the worries, the stresses, the burdens—can leave us feeling exhausted and worn out.

But what if there was a better way? A way to find peace in the middle of the storm? A way to surrender our worries and find rest, not by simply stopping our actions, but by surrendering control to someone greater than ourselves? That someone is Christ. And it's in surrendering to Him that we find true peace—peace that goes beyond understanding, peace that heals the soul, and peace that allows us to live fully as the men God created us to be.

The Battle We All Face
As a man, you may have felt the tension between doing what you believe is right and the stress of constantly fighting to keep everything together. Life feels like a battle. You are juggling responsibilities at work, at home, with friends, and within yourself. The expectations on you never seem to end. And yet, in all of this, the weight you're carrying doesn’t seem to lighten. It doesn’t seem to get any easier, does it?

I want you to think about the life of a battle-hardened soldier. After years of fighting, of carrying gear that weighed him down and having to stay on high alert, the idea of retirement sounds almost like a dream; unattainable. Finally, he can take off his armor, let his guard down, and rest. But when he does, his body doesn’t just relax. It doesn't immediately know how to be still. It has become accustomed to being ready for a fight. The armor might come off, but the fight hasn’t ended in his mind, and that heaviness doesn’t go away overnight.

This is how many men feel in life. Even when we’re told to rest, we don't know how. We don’t know how to be still. We don’t know how to surrender our worries. And when we try, it often feels like we're failing. We feel like we should be doing more, being more, proving more. But surrendering our stress, our thoughts, and our worries doesn’t come naturally. It feels unnatural, almost impossible. But it’s in those moments, when we let go, that the true peace of God can enter.

The Hardest Thing to Do, but the Most Powerful

Let’s be honest: surrendering isn't easy. When you’re used to carrying the load, to being the strong one, to always having a plan and an answer, giving it up feels like weakness. But surrendering isn’t about weakness—it’s about trust. It’s about acknowledging that, in our own strength, we cannot handle it all. When we try to do it all on our own, when we hold on to everything, we only add to our anxiety. Our body starts to physically feel the toll of stress: our shoulders tighten, our heads pound, our hearts race.

But when we surrender—when we trust that God is big enough to handle it all—we can begin to feel the weight lift. This isn’t just a metaphor; there is actual physical relief when we let go of what consumes our thoughts and worries. There’s a reason why the Bible tells us to cast our cares upon God, because He cares for us; HE CARES FOR YOU! (1 Peter 5:7). God never intended for us to carry the weight of the world. He made us for a purpose, but He also created a way for us to be healed—spiritually, mentally, and even physically. Christ tells us,

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28, ESV)

God’s Plan for You is Unique and Special

Don't take my word for it. Consider this, each of us has a story. A life crafted by God for a purpose. And sometimes, we forget that. We get so caught up in the hustle of life, trying to be everything to everyone, that we lose sight of the truth: God made us for a reason. He designed us with specific talents, passions, and strengths, and He has a plan for our lives—one that brings glory to His kingdom. This isnt the typical I have a good life and I have everything in control kind of moment. This is a simple perspective check that allows vulnerability and transparency from you as a man. Everything that goes against what the world tells a man he should be but then again we dont live for the world and some of us have to come to terms with that. 

So, just like a soldier who goes into battle with a unique set of skills, you are uniquely equipped for the challenges in your life. God has placed you exactly where you are, in the life stage you’re in, with the experiences you’ve had, to make an impact on the world. Your story, your journey, your struggles—none of it is wasted. It’s all part of the bigger picture that God is weaving together. And it’s through surrendering to Him that you can walk confidently in the plan He has for you, making a change, one generation at a time.

A Band of Brothers in Christ
As men, we were never meant to walk alone. We are designed for community. God created us to be in relationship with others, to have accountability, and to build each other up. This is why it’s so crucial for men to surround themselves with other men—brothers in Christ who can support, encourage, and challenge each other to grow.

The Bible says that “iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17, ESV). The value of having brothers to walk through life with cannot be overstated. In community, we find strength. We find courage. We find peace. And when we surrender our stresses and worries, it’s often easier to do so in the presence of others who are on the same journey.

A man who is alone in his struggle feels isolated. He believes that no one understands, and that no one can help him. But when he opens up, when he shares his struggles with his brothers, he realizes that he is not alone. He isn’t the only one facing hardship. And in this community, he can begin to surrender more freely, knowing that he is supported by others who genuinely care.

The Peace That Comes When We Trust
The peace that God gives is unlike anything the world offers. It’s not a peace that comes from checking everything off the to-do list or achieving success. It’s not about having everything under control. It’s about trusting that God is in control, even when things seem chaotic. It’s about believing that His plan for us is good and that He is faithful to provide for us, protect us, and guide us.

This peace doesn’t come from our own efforts. It comes from surrendering. From trusting. From letting go of the need to be something more than what God has already made us to be.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27, ESV)

This peace is available to you right now. All you have to do is let go. Let go of the stress. Let go of the worry. Let go of the idea that you have to do it all on your own. When you do, you’ll experience a peace that passes all understanding. A peace that heals your soul. A peace that carries you through the storms of life.

The Anchor: A Song for the Storm
There’s a powerful song by Crowder titled “The Anchor” that beautifully illustrates this peace and surrender. The lyrics capture the deep struggle of a man fighting through the storm, feeling battered and broken, yet still clinging to hope. It speaks to the battle we all face in our lives, the weight of our struggles, and the need for a steady anchor:

“For anyone battered
For any heart shattered
For anyone sinkin' down
Hold on, hold on
For all of the sinners
For the weary and weathered
Thrown and tossed, hope is lost
Hold on, hold on
There's an anchor
In the rage of the storm
When the walls are closin' in
In the darkness all alone
Just prayin' for the daylight
Peace for the soul
There is grace for the mornin'
When you feel like letting go
There's an anchor
There's an anchor”

This song brings a sense of solidarity with those who feel lost, those who feel tossed by the storms of life. But the chorus delivers one of the most powerful reassurances we can hold onto: “There’s an anchor.”

When we trust God, He becomes that anchor in the storms of life. He’s the one that holds us steady, even when the waves are crashing and the winds are howling. His grace is what gives us peace, and it’s through Him that we find the strength to stand firm. We may not know how to let go or how to trust, but we can hold onto the truth: He is our anchor.

You Are Not Alone
I want to leave you with this: You are not alone! You may feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world, but God is with you. And He has placed brothers around you who are walking the same path. Lean into them. Lean into God. Trust Him with the storms in your life, and watch as He provides peace that only He can give you.

The journey isn’t easy. But with God’s help, and with the support of your brothers, you can make it through. Let go. Trust in God. And embrace the peace He’s waiting to give you.