What does utterly abandoning yourself to God really mean?

According to Webster's, the definition of abandon is:
1 a : to give up to the control or influence of another person or agent b : to give up with the intent of never again claiming a right or interest in 2 : to withdraw from often in the face of danger or encroachment (abandon ship).

Admittedly, this is a frightening concept. Who really wants to let go completely? When danger looms, the most natural response is "fight or flight". In doing either option, you're probably thinking about your own self-preservation.

God calls us to total trust and reliance upon Him and His power. It's a constant call. We don't have to wait for danger to release our self-control in favor of God's. If, in fact, we only turn to God when we are afraid or overwhelmed then we're not living a real life of faith. We all know there are no atheists in foxholes.

An ongoing reliance on God's power, guidance and encouragement in each and every day is a worthy goal. The ideal would be to rely on Him during every waking moment -- but begin where you can. There are many days when I fight so hard against "letting go" that I think I actually leave claw marks!

I have never bungee jumped, but I imagine there is a sense of abandonment in doing that. Much like skydiving (which I have also never done). I do like excitement, but I also crave security and certainty. But it's important to recognize that I hinder the growth of my faith in direct proportion to the extent that I will not completely abandon myself to God.

Abandonment makes me fearful. I have thoughts of being defenseless. Yet this is not the idea of abandonment to God. Still, the greatest struggle for us all is the one over who gets to control of our lives. God or me?

Oswald Chambers speaks to this subject in the daily devotional, My Utmost for His Highest. He likens real abandonment to God as complete surrender. His comment about why so many of us refuse to do it for the right reasons strikes me to the core. "Our motive for surrender should not be for any personal gain at all. We have become so self-centered that we go to God only for something from Him, and not for God Himself".

Our longing for God must travel beyond this idea of transaction; that if I give to God He will give to me. He gives to all of us, both good and bad.

I'm not sure if I will achieve this true surrender for anything more than a few minutes at a time. However, I must strive onward. Like so many of the wonderful mysteries of God's love, it is a gift. Do I choose to accept it? It is so hard to get away from a performance-based mentality.

During this Lenten season, we can remember that our human struggle with giving up our control -- our need to control -- is part of the walk.

Abandon yourself to God as best you can. Pray for courage; pray for willingness. Our salvation is deliverance from ourselves into perfect union with God. Be grateful that He took the first step and sent His son. He completely and absolutely gave Himself to us. Now it is our turn.

What does it mean to "abandon yourself to God?"
How many of your prayers are "performance based", requiring something from God?
What can you do to being abandoning yourself to God?