How to Submit to God: 5 Powerful Ways

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Learning how to submit to God often feels like trying to make one’s way through fog-you know the general direction in which you’re going, but you often can’t see exactly where that is. In my walk of faith, I have realized that submission is not about losing oneself but finding one’s true purpose with divine guidance.

Indeed, spiritual surrender does have components to its process: grasping what true submission is, God’s sovereignty in our lives, developing day-in-and-out tactics, and learning one’s will to align with His. These stepping stones form the foundation of a deeper, more meaningful relationship with our Creator.

The river instinctively flows to the sea, and so can our hearts learn to flow into God’s purpose for our lives. This article will take you through the practicum on conjuring this instinctive, organic flow of submission through timeless wisdom and experiences that formed the bedrock of my spiritual journey.

Understanding True Submission

Have you ever watched a leaf floating peacefully down a stream? It doesn’t fight against the current – it simply allows itself to be carried along its natural path. This image has profoundly shaped my understanding of spiritual surrender. When I first began my faith journey, I struggled with what it truly meant to yield to a higher power. Like many others, I wanted to maintain control while simultaneously claiming to trust in God’s plan.

The essence of how to submit to God lies in understanding that surrender isn’t about becoming passive or losing your identity. Rather, it’s about actively choosing to trust in His wisdom above our own limited understanding. As Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” I remember the turning point in my own journey – it was during a particularly challenging period in my career when everything I had carefully planned began to unravel. It was only when I finally released my tight grip on my own plans that I discovered the profound peace that comes with true surrender.

One of the biggest hurdles people face when learning how to submit to God is the misconception that submission equals weakness. I’ve counseled many fellow believers who feared that submitting to God meant they would lose their dreams, ambitions, or worse – their personality. Nothing could be further from the truth. James 4:7 tells us, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” This scripture reveals that submission to God actually empowers us to stand firm against adversity. Think of it like a tree – the deeper its roots grow in submission to the soil, the stronger it stands against the storms.

The Difference Between Submission and Blind Faith

Understanding how to submit to God doesn’t mean walking blindly without questioning or seeking understanding. Jesus himself demonstrated this in the Garden of Gethsemane when he prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). This powerful moment shows us that submission can include honest dialogue with God about our struggles and fears. In my own walk, I’ve learned that true submission is an informed choice, not a mindless following. It’s about developing a relationship where we trust God enough to bring our doubts, questions, and concerns to Him, while ultimately choosing to align our will with His perfect plan.

Remember the story of Abraham, who questioned God about Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:16-33)? He engaged in respectful dialogue with God while maintaining a heart of submission. This teaches us that we can ask questions, seek understanding, and even wrestle with difficult decisions while still maintaining an attitude of ultimate surrender to God’s wisdom and authority. True submission is a journey of growing trust, not a destination of blind acceptance.

Just as a child learns to trust their parent’s guidance through experience and relationship, our submission to God deepens as we experience His faithfulness in our lives. It’s a dynamic, growing relationship that transforms us from the inside out, leading us to a place where submission becomes less about obligation and more about love and trust.

1. Acknowledge His Sovereignty

Standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon, I felt incredibly small. The vast expanse before me served as a powerful reminder of just how magnificent our Creator is. It was there, surrounded by this natural cathedral, that I truly began to grasp what divine sovereignty means.

Understanding how to submit to God begins with recognizing His absolute authority over every aspect of our existence. Colossians 1:16-17 beautifully explains this: “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

Think about the ocean – its waves don’t ask permission to rise and fall; they simply follow the natural laws their Creator established. Similarly, when we acknowledge God’s sovereignty, we begin to flow with His divine purpose rather than constantly swimming against it. This truth transformed my perspective during a particularly challenging career decision. Instead of anxiously trying to control every outcome, I learned to trust that God’s sovereignty meant He could orchestrate circumstances far better than I ever could.

Psalm 103:19 reminds us: “The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.” This isn’t just about intellectual acknowledgment – it’s about heart-level surrender that impacts our daily choices and attitudes.

2. Daily Spiritual Practices

The morning fog was still lingering when I first established my daily spiritual routine. Like many others, I struggled with consistency, often finding excuses to skip my quiet time with God.

Discovering how to submit to God through daily practices isn’t about rigid routines; it’s about cultivating a living relationship. As Jesus taught in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” This scripture became my anchor as I developed sustainable spiritual habits.

Just as a garden needs regular tending to flourish, our spiritual lives require consistent nurturing. I started small – just 15 minutes each morning with my Bible and journal. Gradually, these moments became the most treasured part of my day. Psalm 1:2-3 describes this beautifully: “But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season.”

The key is finding rhythms that work for your life. For me, it’s early morning devotions. For others, it might be evening prayer walks or lunchtime Bible study. What matters is the intentional setting aside of time to connect with God.

3. Align Your Will

Have you ever tried to force a puzzle piece into the wrong spot? That’s exactly how it feels when we’re pushing our own agenda instead of aligning with God’s will.

Understanding how to submit to God means learning to distinguish between His voice and our own desires. Proverbs 16:9 puts it perfectly: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” I remember wrestling with this principle when faced with an attractive job offer that would have taken me away from my ministry commitments.

The process of aligning our will with God’s isn’t always comfortable. Jesus himself demonstrated this in the Garden of Gethsemane, praying, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). This moment of supreme surrender serves as our model for handling conflicting desires.

Romans 12:2 guides us in this transformation: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” This alignment happens gradually as we learn to recognize God’s leading through His Word, prayer, wise counsel, and the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

4. Live with Humility

The hardest lesson I learned about humility came through a spectacular failure in my ministry. I had become so focused on my own abilities that I’d forgotten who really deserved the glory.

Living in humility is essential when learning how to submit to God, as it opens our hearts to His guidance and correction. James 4:10 provides this beautiful promise: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” This scripture became my lifeline during that season of rediscovery.

True humility isn’t about thinking less of yourself; it’s about thinking of yourself less. I’ve found it’s similar to being a vessel – our usefulness depends on our emptiness. Consider Moses, who was called the most humble man on earth (Numbers 12:3), yet he was also one of God’s most powerful leaders. His humility didn’t diminish his effectiveness; it enhanced it.

Philippians 2:3-4 guides us in this practice: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Learning how to submit to God means embracing opportunities to serve others, even when it’s inconvenient or goes unnoticed.

The beautiful paradox is that in lowering ourselves, we find elevation in God’s kingdom. As Jesus taught, “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 14:11).

5. Build a Faith Community

I still remember my first small group meeting – sitting awkwardly on an unfamiliar couch, clutching my Bible like a shield. Little did I know those strangers would become integral to my spiritual journey.

The path of how to submit to God was never meant to be walked alone. Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasizes this: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” This scripture came alive for me when my faith community rallied around me during a personal crisis.

Building a faith community isn’t just about attending church services; it’s about creating genuine connections that challenge and support our spiritual growth. Think of it like a tapestry – each thread is strengthened by its connection to others. Acts 2:42 describes this beautiful dynamic: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

Finding spiritual mentors within your community is crucial. Proverbs 27:17 tells us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” I’ve experienced this firsthand through both mentoring others and being mentored. These relationships have helped me stay accountable in my journey of how to submit to God, especially during challenging seasons.

Remember the early church in Acts? They shared everything – not just possessions, but also their lives, struggles, and victories. “All the believers were together and had everything in common” (Acts 2:44). This level of community doesn’t happen overnight. It requires vulnerability, consistency, and intentional investment in relationships.

Your faith community becomes a practical laboratory for practicing submission to God. It’s where we learn to serve, forgive, encourage, and love as Christ loved us. Whether it’s through small groups, ministry teams, or one-on-one discipleship relationships, these connections help anchor our faith and provide practical support for our spiritual journey.

The beauty of community is that it reminds us we’re not alone in our struggles to submit to God’s will. When one person is weak, others can be strong. When one celebrates, all rejoice together. As Ecclesiastes 4:12 wisely notes, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

Conclusion:

The journey of learning how to submit to God is deeply personal and continuously evolving. Like a garden that requires regular tending, our spiritual surrender needs consistent nurturing through practice, patience, and perseverance. While the path may sometimes seem challenging, the peace and purpose that come from genuine submission to God make every step worthwhile. Remember, it’s not about perfection but progress – each small step toward surrender brings us closer to experiencing the fullness of God’s love and guidance in our lives.