Romans 15:18 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
I didn’t know that perfectionism was something that I needed deliverance from. I thought that my overbearing desire for togetherness was a gift. I was driven, ambitious, and tedious enough to gag a maggot.
If you were coming to visit me at home, I would spread some Pine-sol around on the countertops, swiftly sweep the floors, and run at a breakneck pace to hide all of my piles of laundry. I’d want to manage your opinion of me. I would have needed you to be impressed, to be in wonderment of “how I do it all,” because that would have determined my worth, right?
“I’m only as good as my largest weakness.” I would tell myself that my development, both personally and professionally, needed to be the absolute top priority.
The result? Striving.
Let’s have a heart to heart, sweet sister. Resist the urge. Resist the urge to do it all. There will always be demands on your time and responsibilities piled up on a never-ending to-do list. I can also promise that there will be women idly observing your life with a measuring stick that mock, stare, and compare. Resist the urge to “measure up.” They never will and neither will you. The message of freedom lies within the cross. I don’t measure up, I never will, and that’s ok. Jesus does.
Hi. My name is Megan and I am a recovering perfectionist.
Here are some things that I have learned to love and things I have learned to let go.
I love my quiet time. There is a deep need within me to sit still before the Throne of Grace. God gently and sweetly calls me into His presence through encountering Him. I encounter Him through study of His Word, praise through worship, and communion in prayer. If I am so busy that I can’t find the time, I am busier than God ever intended me to be. My soul craves to hear His voice, know His heart, and walk in His ways.
I can let go of unrealistic expectations. I do not have to be a super woman. My worth is not found in my ability to keep a clean house, the perfect grooming of my children, or the number of tasks I can complete. My identity is hidden with Christ on high, as an anointed daughter of the King Most High. The Creator of the Universe counted me as worthy when He sent His son Jesus to trade my righteousness for his own. The power that raised Christ from the empty tomb resides in me. I have the power to say no, not now, or maybe later. I have the power to lay down my pride and my need for control.
Here is a message of hope… so do you!
As the holidays draw near, love your quiet time and let go of the rest. Spend some time at the Throne of Grace. Let faith rise up in you.
Father in Heaven,
Keep our hearts and minds on The One who delivers us. Reframe our days to mirror our deep love of our Savior. May we know you more! Help us to put down and shake off the things that slow us from Your Grace. Help us celebrate this season with a grateful and whole heart.- Amen