Truth Devo Week 8 – Release: Forgiveness-Freedom

Surrendering to Jesus does not mean giving up, walking away, or escaping. True surrender is trust and courage in action. It is choosing to remain present, faithful, and obedient, even under heavy burdens. Jesus modeled this on the cross, entrusting His weight to the Father. Surrender involves releasing what we were never meant to carry alone: resentment, exhaustion, unmet expectations, or the need to control outcomes. The Holy Spirit is our Helper, Advocate, and Intercessor, guiding, supporting, and interceding for us. If He is ready to help, why resist?

Forgiveness is a key part of release. Forgiveness does not excuse harm, but transfers the weight. Freedom follows when we entrust our burdens to Jesus. We are free not because circumstances change, but because the weight has changed hands. From freedom comes renewal. Where our strength ends, Christ’s remains. What we release, Christ redeems.

Song

Tasha Cobbs Leonard | You Know My Name ft. Jimi Cravity ft. Jimi Cravity. Listen on YouTube.

Reflection

What am I holding onto that God wants me to release today?

How am I resisting the Holy Spirit’s help, guidance, or intercession in my life?

Where do I need to practice forgiveness in order to experience freedom?

Action: Holy Spirit Dependence Strategy
Pass it on, intentionally. Today, write down one burden, offense, or outcome you’ve been gripping. In prayer, physically open your hands and name it before Jesus. Say aloud:
“I release this to You.”

Action Points with Supporting Scripture:

Make the plans, God leads the steps – Decide what you can do today, but surrender the timing and outcome to Him.
Scripture: Proverbs 16:9 – “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”

Take one obedient step forward – Not to control the outcome, but to trust the One who guides you.
Scripture: James 4:13-15 – “Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’”

Pray continually – Ask the Holy Spirit for direction before acting so every step aligns with God’s wisdom and will.
Scripture: Romans 8:26 – “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”

Action

Pass it on, intentionally.
Today, write down one burden, offense, or outcome you’ve been gripping. In prayer, physically open your hands and name it before Jesus. Say aloud:

“I release this to You.”

Then take one obedient step forward—not to control the outcome, but to trust the One who leads you.