by Allie Marie Smith
What is it about us girls that stirs us to strive without ceasing? Why is it that average doesn't satisfy and perfect never seems attainable? We are girls in search of perfect (as I've reflected on before).
I love the NASB translation of Psalm 46:10: "Cease striving and know that I am God."
I believe God delights in us most when we abide in Him; when we take a long, deep breath and be still. Your Maker isn't demanding perfection of you dear one. His desire is your company - your companionship. Not perfection, but your presence. It's in God's presence that we experience progress - and the great thing is we don't even have to strive for it. By abiding in Christ we are transformed for the better day by day. I think a more fitting phrase for the above print would be "Strive for Presence, Not Perfection."
What would it look like in your life to cease striving?
Oh my gosh, this post is so timely! For years I have struggled with being "perfect" for those who they themselves appear to be perfect on the outside; this is especially the case with men. I was, and still am afraid of opening up to them and letting them see certain sides of me, out of fear that I will be written off as a burden and that I have too much baggage.
ReplyDeleteA lot of that also comes from hearing that you have to have yourself together in order to be in a relationship; and let's face it, no one does.
I know that a lot of this stuff is all in my head. It's just a matter of getting rid of the lies and replacing them with the Truth.
God Bless,
Alyx
The right one will love and adore your perfectly imperfect self! You are enough. :)
DeleteAlyx, you're so right. I love how much God loves us when we don't have it all together! Beautiful messes! This post is definitely timely for me, too, as I am in a period of learning that my work does not define me. God is my only defining truth. And He truly secures my identity in the things of Heaven.
ReplyDeleteSo nice not to have to strive! Thanks for reading! xo
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