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The Freedom of Surrender: Forty Devotions for a Joyful Life in Christ
Find joy and freedom in surrender
Letting go is hard.
To surrender is to let go of what we tightly grip, the good and the bad. It’s a relinquishing of control, a recognition that God alone can meet our deepest needs. It’s a holy pause that entrusts each hope, each worry, and each pressing concern to the One whose love for us is beyond measure. And in this surrender, we enter into freedom. But, even so, letting go often feels easier said than done.
In The Freedom of Surrender, author Mary DeMuth invites you to journey through forty days of entrusting specific areas of your life to God—your inner struggles, your family, your expectations, your regrets, your ministry, your grief, your relationships, your job, your health, your finances, your future, and more. Every daily devotion includes Scripture, prayer, and Mary's original art that help you cast each care on the One who cares for you.
On this forty-day journey, you'll
How to trust that God is in control, even in moments of chaos and stress. True joy and freedom can happen when we release what we're holding too tightly. God’s plan is to see you thrive and grow. Prayer opens the door to freedom and peace. Even in your struggles, you are never alone.When we entrust our stresses and worries to God, we embrace the reality that’s always been Our “control” is an illusion. God alone can meet our needs, heal our wounds, and guide our steps. From this place of total reliance on God, we can experience deep joy and the peace that passes understanding.
What are you holding too tightly? Experience freedom as you invite Jesus to help you surrender all.
Letting go is hard.
To surrender is to let go of what we tightly grip, the good and the bad. It’s a relinquishing of control, a recognition that God alone can meet our deepest needs. It’s a holy pause that entrusts each hope, each worry, and each pressing concern to the One whose love for us is beyond measure. And in this surrender, we enter into freedom. But, even so, letting go often feels easier said than done.
In The Freedom of Surrender, author Mary DeMuth invites you to journey through forty days of entrusting specific areas of your life to God—your inner struggles, your family, your expectations, your regrets, your ministry, your grief, your relationships, your job, your health, your finances, your future, and more. Every daily devotion includes Scripture, prayer, and Mary's original art that help you cast each care on the One who cares for you.
On this forty-day journey, you'll
How to trust that God is in control, even in moments of chaos and stress. True joy and freedom can happen when we release what we're holding too tightly. God’s plan is to see you thrive and grow. Prayer opens the door to freedom and peace. Even in your struggles, you are never alone.When we entrust our stresses and worries to God, we embrace the reality that’s always been Our “control” is an illusion. God alone can meet our needs, heal our wounds, and guide our steps. From this place of total reliance on God, we can experience deep joy and the peace that passes understanding.
What are you holding too tightly? Experience freedom as you invite Jesus to help you surrender all.
- GenresChristian Living
128 pages, Hardcover
Published October 14, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 1, 2026
I signed up for Mary DeMuth’s newsletter, loved her illustrations, and spotted 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 I had of this book was that I liked the size, the bird of freedom on the front cover, and, most importantly, that it 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, where each devotion, like the thorns on “Day One: I Surrender My Sin,” looked like people surrendering 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.
The first impression I had of this book was that I liked the size, the bird of freedom on the front cover, and, most importantly, that it 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, where each devotion, like the thorns on “Day One: I Surrender My Sin,” looked like people surrendering 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.
January 22, 2026
The Freedom of Surrender is a daily devotional were the author encourages you to surrender one pert of your life to God each day. Everything from your finances to you daily habits.
In principle I agree with the message, but in practice this is so hard to do. Yes you can pray that God will cover you financially but at the end of the day those bill don't pay themselves.
This is a devotional that will probably require many revisits to fully absorb the lessons.
Note on format:
I listened to this in audiobook and probably shouldn't have. First off all you miss out on the art that Demuth created to accompany each daily devotion.
Secondly, because the chapters are three to four minutes each it's easy to listen to multiple devotions in one sitting, instead of the one a day that the book suggests.
As a result your mind and spirit are mulling over multiple points of surrender instead of meditating on just one. A physical book purchase is likely in the future.
In principle I agree with the message, but in practice this is so hard to do. Yes you can pray that God will cover you financially but at the end of the day those bill don't pay themselves.
This is a devotional that will probably require many revisits to fully absorb the lessons.
Note on format:
I listened to this in audiobook and probably shouldn't have. First off all you miss out on the art that Demuth created to accompany each daily devotion.
Secondly, because the chapters are three to four minutes each it's easy to listen to multiple devotions in one sitting, instead of the one a day that the book suggests.
As a result your mind and spirit are mulling over multiple points of surrender instead of meditating on just one. A physical book purchase is likely in the future.
November 19, 2025
I am in the middle of reading this delightful 40 day devotion and absolutely love it. It's thought provoking in a very good way. It's beautiful - her wonderful artwork is from cover to cover. Whether you are a Jesus follower or are intrigued by him but uncertain, this book will encourage you in how to surrender everyday things that drag us all down. She has such a winsome way of writing that spills love and kindness over every page. Mary is and always has been open and honest about herself and her struggles, so you'll never feel as though she's pointing a finger. She walks with you in the surrender. She also points directly to Jesus as the source and power needed to let go. I definitely recommend this little, beautiful gem for your own reading or as a gift.
October 14, 2025
I think I've read every book that Mary DeMuth has written. While saying this one is my favorite seems kinda like saying I prefer one of my sons to the other 2, I am quite fond of this little book. Generally, I'm not a devo fan but the combination of Mary's illustrations, her wisdom, and the brevity of each entry has me hooked. I have to remind myself not to read ahead!
April 21, 2026
This is such a lovely devotional! One of my favorites in a while. Each chapter is about something to “surrender” to God from family, regret, when I disappointed someone, etc. and the matching illustrations are very thoughtful. This devo does not feel gimmicky at all, like the rhetoric around surrender can sometimes feel. Instead it is truly freeing, resonant, and comforting.
December 10, 2025
I intended to zip through this book because I love everything Mary DeMuth writes, but I did no zipping. This book asks to be read day-by-day, thoughtfully and prayerfully. The illustrations are perfect for each day’s content, greatly enhancing her points. This is a book I will be gifting to many.
December 28, 2025
I've lost count of all Mary's bks that I have read, but this is the 1st 1 that combines her artwork with her writing. They enhance each other so much. I love how she always seems to emphasize God's gentleness with us & therefore we should be gentle with ourselves & others
March 23, 2026
A beautiful devotional that I will read through again.
April 3, 2026
Great reading for Lent!!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews