I have been going through a lot of old posts lately trying to organize my devotionals from the days when I put them at the bottom of my fashion and beauty posts. Many I want to update and include here in my devotional category.
As I looked through many of my older writings, I realize I talk a lot about being a perfectionist! Ha! The following devotional is one example. Yet, this post is not just about fighting the need to be perfect. It’s also about fighting the need to take on everything, knowing when to slow down, and focusing on the important things.
I must admit I am a perfectionist. I want to achieve many things small and big – all as perfectly as possible. So, I will think about the verse in Philippians 4:13 from time to time when I’m stressed out, tired, running behind, or trying to do too many things at once. And I will question God as to how can I possibly do all of this, whatever this may be. I really want to rely on His strength, and I know He will help me. Yet, many times I don’t feel very strong or like I can do this!
With all of this in mind, it suddenly hit me one day that maybe I need strength in Christ to give myself a break. After all, He gives us strength to do ALL things. Maybe, some of these things are strength to give up the need for perfection, strength to say no to the things that I just cannot possibly take on right now, or strength to say that it is okay to just stop and rest.
While I will always strive to do my best, I am not a super human. I know I will never reach perfection while I’m alive on this earth. Perhaps, I need the strength to recognize my dependence on Christ alone and my need for Him alone. So today, I ask Christ to give me strength to let go of perfection and give myself a break. I ask Him for strength to say no to the things I should not do. I ask Him for strength to say yes to rest and renewing of my spirit when it’s needed.
My church family is currently doing a daily devotional for the new year which asks us five specific questions each day. The last one is what do I need to do today? I’m really trying to focus and ask God what is important for me to do today. I want Him to strengthen me to submit to His will, not mine, for each day, week, and month. Many times, He helps me focus on what is important and doesn’t ask as much of me as I ask of myself.
Are you trusting Christ for the strength to know when to say no and yes? Are you trusting Him to know when you should give yourself a break?
Dressed in Faith
For I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13