Recently I mentioned a concept that got a lot of response; “consecrate that part of you to Jesus.” For whatever part of your life is troubling you, this can make a huge difference. But what does that mean? And how do you do that?

Our human hearts want to be in charge. We rail against anyone or anything that would seek to take away our “freedom.” And yet in the very seeking to live, as John Eldredge says, out of our self-life, we become ever-more deeply enslaved to that which damages, hurts, and destroys our very souls.

Humans are made to worship. You cannot not worship. You do not have a choice about whether you will worship, but you do have a choice about Who or what will receive your worship.

One word of caution; this concept has been twisted by those in authority – in the family, in the church, and in other institutions – to lord it over those deemed “less than” or weaker. That is a gross distortion of this deep and actually glorious truth about our human nature. It’s the devil who uses control and manipulation to steal, kill, and destroy. Giving another person or institution the position of “lord” in your life will always be dangerous.

But the truth remains; trying to be lord of your own life will end up badly. Very badly.

So, if something in your life is not working, what’s the alternative?

Consecration; A Foreign Concept

We don’t use the word “consecrate” much in contemporary conversation. It means to devote solely for the use of a particular person or purpose. If you’re the only one with the keys to your car, that car is consecrated for your use. Nobody else can come drive it without your permission. So it is with every aspect of our lives.

What part(s) of your life seem out of control? Troubled? Not “working” right? Where are your efforts falling flat? What is wearing you out?

Maybe you’re striving for some measure of “success” – money, possessions, status, a certain title – and finding yourself exhausted. Or you’re always people-pleasing, excessively worrying about what your spouse, boss, children, neighbors, parents, friends, coworkers, fellow church members, think of you. You’re spending money for things you can’t afford and don’t need to impress people you don’t even like. You’re using alcohol, drugs, porn, sex, spending, or whatever else to numb your angst and hopefully find a moment of relief. You feel like a puppet is manning the strings of all the thoughts, memories, past traumas, and emotions of your inner world.

That’s not the kind of life God intended, and you know it. Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). How can you rest?

Consecrate That Part of You to Jesus

What is it you’re gripping tightly, trying to manage it on your own? Whatever it is, make Jesus the Lord of that part of your life. Consecrate that specific aspect of you to Him.

If your money is a problem, consecrate your finances, your bank account, your income, your checkbook, your debit card, to Him. I know a very wealthy family that transferred ownership of their business to God; they’re only stewards of it now. If Jesus is Lord of your finances, at a minimum that means you check with Him before spending, giving, or investing anything.

Maybe it’s your emotional reactions to stress or to people. Consecrate your sadness, your anxiety, your loneliness, your anger, your triggers, to Him. You will still have “negative” feelings. But if He is Lord of your inner world He has greater freedom to heal and change you. It also means you say Yes when He invites you to take a step toward healing and transformation. When you feel angry, for example, He gets to say what you do next.

If your marriage is troubled, it’s time to trust God with your marriage. You already know trying to control the outcome isn’t working; let Him decide. He might ask you to take your grubby hands off so He can do His work in your spouse. Or perhaps He needs to change you on the inside first. Or He might even be setting you free from a deeply toxic situation. Seek His input for what you do next.

If you’re single, make Jesus Lord of your relationships. Who does He want you to connect with for intimacy (not sexual)? Does He have a spouse for you? (I’ve seen too many people rush into an unwise marriage because they were lonely or wanted legitimate sex. Spare yourself the agony!) What step is He asking you to take to cooperate with Him in preparing for whatever next season of life He has for you?

Struggling with sexual wholeness? Consecrate your sex life to Him. Give Him full permission to tell you how to steward your desires, arousal, attractions, satisfaction (or not), or any other aspect. He gets the final say in what you do with the sexual aspects of your body, mind, and soul. (Need help here?)

How to Pray

Consecrating that part of you to Jesus may feel daunting to your soul. Here’s a way to pray that can help. You may need to pray this way every day, out loud!

Jesus, I once again make You the Lord of my life for today. And for today I specifically make You the Lord of [my sex life, my marriage, my money, my emotions, whatever]. I can’t manage this part of me any longer. And for today I determine that this part of my life [name it specifically] is no longer mine, but belongs to You. I am only the steward of [name it specifically]. I purpose to listen to Your guidance in managing this part of my life in every moment for today. Thank You for being my Lord.  Amen.

Here’s a prayer that has deeply impacted my heart. Perhaps this Sonnet by John Donne will express the cry of your heart also:

Batter my heart, three-person’d God, for you
As yet but knock, breathe, shine, and seek to mend;
That I may rise and stand, o’erthrow me, and bend
Your force to break, blow, burn, and make me new.
I, like an usurp’d town to another due,
Labor to admit you, but oh, to no end;
Reason, your viceroy in me, me should defend,
But is captiv’d, and proves weak or untrue.
Yet dearly I love you, and would be lov’d fain,
But am betroth’d unto your enemy;
Divorce me, untie or break that knot again,
Take me to you, imprison me, for I,
Except you enthrall me, never shall be free,
Nor ever chaste, except you ravish me.

Jesus is Lord! Is He the Lord of your life?

Your Turn: What part of your life is out of control? How have you been holding onto trying to manage that yourself? How can you consecrate that part of you to Jesus? Leave a comment below.

Want more? On the podcast this week I talk with Ashley Jameson about porn, the church, women, families, and more.  Listen or watch.

Tweetables: why not share this post?

• What part of your life is troubling you? Money, marriage, emotions, relationships, sex, …? Consecrate THAT part of you to Jesus. That can change everything.  Tweet that.

Struggling with Your Sex Life?

If you are feeling stuck, carrying brokenness especially in your sex life, and are ready for a breakthrough, join us at an upcoming intensive – a beautiful 4-day healing experience that can change so much.

Bring the hard places of your story into the light, and experience Jesus coming right into the middle of your story.