Freedom from Striving

Make it happen.

Let me do it.

Looming deadlines.

Keep moving forward.

It has to be done a certain way. (my way)

These are all things I’ve said or felt in my daily attempts to get things done. For most of my life, I’ve always been a high-achiever and goal-oriented person. If I set my mind to achieve something, I find a way to get it done. I strive for excellence and feel a sense of great accomplishment when I complete a task or reach a goal. I worked hard and enjoy celebrating. Society teaches us that we are to accomplish our goals by any means necessary. Recently, God has been speaking to me about the importance of not striving anymore.

One dangerous thing about striving is that we are always wanting to do more, be more, and accomplish more. Our focus becomes more about the next pursuit, rather than on pursuing God. We feverishly pursue the next project, instead of pursuing God’s presence. While God desires for us to accomplish His will, we don’t want to use striving to replace growing closer with God. God wants us to be free from striving and be reminded that God’s purpose for our lives will come to pass. We are loved and accepted by God just as we are.

Today, I invite you to stop striving and be led by God’s spirit for wisdom and guidance for your life. Instead of striving to make “it” happen, trust that God will lead you and accomplish His will in His perfect timing. Be encouraged!

Question: Do you struggle with striving and trying to make things happen within your own strength? How can you begin to surrender this over to the Lord? Share in the comments so I can pray with you!