I signed up for Mary DeMuth’s newsletter, loved her illustrations, and purchased her latest devotional, The Freedom of Surrender: Forty Devotions for a Joyful Life in Christ. Who wouldn’t want a more joyful life?
The first impression that I had of this book was I liked the size, the bird of freedom on the front cover, and most importantly, the book was a hardback! I didn’t have to worry about bending a flimsy cover, dogearing the pages inside, or spilling coffee on the front. I was good to go into battle each morning with this devotional on my dining room table, flicking on the light, and absorbing.
The only hurdle I found with this book is the font size—understandable in today’s high-cost market. But other than this small quibble, I so enjoyed studying each illustration. On “Day One: I Surrender My Sin,” the thorns looked like people who surrendered their pain, regret, and sin at the cross. Most of the people now had their arms raised high to glorify God, whereas once they couldn’t lift them at all.
My favorite Day of the forty-day journey, of course, was “Day Two: I Surrender My Stubbornness.” I adored the picture of the donkey that reminded me of a mule—so smart and self-protective and misunderstood, rather than carrying a stubborn streak. If you want to keep yourself safe, watch a mule. If the animal will not cross deep water or step into quicksand, pay attention! Still, DeMuth makes an excellent point. Often, when we stay safe and self-protective, we may miss out on the pleasures and goodness of a good Father who wants to give us His blessing. All we have to do is stick one toe in the water, look up, and walk forward in confidence and faith!
Red—the color of blood and the heart—threads through every illustration like a warning sign, encouraging readers to pause, reflect, repent, and thrive. When you begin each morning with a colorful illustration, a verse, a challenge to look inside, and a prayer, the minutes you spend with God will pay off. Forty days is doable and the perfect summer refreshment to keep you in the Word of God. As a bonus, there is plenty of white space to jot down the date and your personal thoughts, so you can look back on it the next time you need a devotional to encourage you.
If you enjoyed The Freedom of Surrender: Forty Devotions for a Joyful Life in Christ by Mary DeMuth, you may also enjoy PrayerWalk: Becoming a Woman of Prayer, Strength, and Discipline, by Janet Holm McHenry, The Anne of Green Gables Devotional: A Chapter-by-Chapter Companion for Kindred Spirits by Rachel Dodge, and Calm Moments for Anxious Days: A 90-Day Devotional Journey by Max Lucado.
