Sometimes we don’t need to hear something new, instead, it’s the old truths that we need to be reminded of once again.

The simple message in this picture brought me to tears this morning. I discovered it in the back of a book I began reading years ago and recently rediscovered after decluttering.

I, just like many of us, have brushed up against many pandemic induced emotions and situations while attempting, with the rest of the world, to navigate this ever-changing cultural climate well.

This morning though, I woke up weary.

Weary at trying so hard to fix so many things all at once and not seeing much progress. And weary that yet another day was ahead of me to feel the same all over again.

Over-functioning much?

Even after all these years, I’m still surprised at the way insecurity sneaks in and rises up in me, and the many ways I stumble upon the reality that all my “doing” and striving because I want to prove worthy. I want the sum of my efforts to prove that I’ve done all I could to be the best mom, wife, and daughter to the Lord.

Yet, when things unravel or I let people down, or I see areas go growth again, my default is to place those shortcomings on my shoulders.

So this sweet note I found, tucked in the back of the book, was balm to this mama’s soul this morning. A few short moments later, it was then followed by someone I deeply admire reaching out to tell me how proud she was of me and my growth, and how good I am doing at being a wife, mama, and woman of God.

And both of those came reading this line from this book-

“…no amount of hustle, no amount of internet searches (or comparison), no amount of perfect could bring me ultimate joy. Joy is in the journey, even the hard ones.”

Isn’t God sweet like that? He is so faithful to meet us where we are with the exact encouragement we need.

So, for those of us still stumbling over the emotions and climate of this season, or those who find themselves discovering new places God wants to heal, I offer you this grace and this truth from the words of Paul-

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Phil 4:8 NIV

Sister, may we set our hearts and heads to take those overwhelming thoughts captive and anchor them in the good that is our Savior.

Set your brain to look for the good, and being to develop a heart of gratitude to combat the stress of this world. Create in partnership with the Holy Spirit, not a heart that ignores the trouble or stuffs down emotions, but instead one that seeks to take those troubles to the Savior and trusts Him to send you the hope you need.

A friend recently shared this quote “Under stress, we don’t rise to the occasion, instead we fall to our training.”

Ouch.

I guess it’s time for some new programing.

Oh, and while you’re doing it, relax a little. By that I mean give yourself grace.

Any steps you take are worthwhile, and it all won’t happen or right itself at once. If we had that much power, what would we ever go to God for?

The end goal of our maturity is not self-sufficiency, it’s total and utter dependence on Him. That’s the goal.

May we all be reminded just as tenderly in our weakness that His grace is indeed sufficient, and all that we need in every season.

Reflection Questions

• How are my current actions or emotions a reflection of my desire to “mature” out of dependence on God? How am I striving to handle it all on my own?
• What am I not doing? In what areas of my life am I avoiding doing what God has asked me to do?
• How am I focusing on things that I wish I could control but are truly not mine to own? Lay those things down in prayer, or journal and give them over to the Lord.
• In what areas do I need to take some thoughts captive? Where do I need to apply the truth of God’s word to heal my thinking?
• Write 3 bible-based affirmations to help you in this area remember who God is, and who you are. Consider adding a practice of gratitude (reflecting on something to be grateful for at the beginning and end of each day).