3 Ways to Get Over It

by Texas Stready

 “Don’t settle for less than perfect,” is what they say. Problem is, I’m not perfect and to settle that keeps me where I need to be. Besides I’ve tuned into what they say far too long. Today, I’m jammin’ a new frequency.

I’m doing great. Pleased and secure, happy and content—until I fall short. Then disappointment grows into disgust, eroding my resolve.

People do what they want to do and I can’t afford to lose my desire to do right. Perfection is impossible. I aim for it but when I fumble I get angry.  Digging deeper, with every good intention, I drop the ball. Back and forth the round continues until I row my boat so far downstream, life is a struggle instead of a dream.

Ever been there? Trying to beat your mind into submission? The lashes are severe. The failure is abrupt. It doesn’t work.

*  *  *

God is kind and tolerant of us. He gives us countless opportunities to listen. Grace frees us again and again. Why do we return to that aimless boat? One oar is super-critical and the other super-superior. No wonder we wind up in the wrong place.

How do we fix this problem?

Trust God. That’s how.

If I settle these important facts, trust follows:

• God loves me completely
• He is in total control
• He always does what’s best

Here are the three things I’m doing to get over it.

Cultivate–relationship is required. “Set your heart on the kingdom and his goodness, and all these things will come to you as a matter of course” Matt. 6:33b Phillips).
Closeness comes from time spent—knowing God is essential. I dedicate at least one hour each morning to this friendship. I spend 30 minutes in spiritual reading, 20 minutes singing to Him, and for the last 10 minutes I do my best to keep my mind silent and listen. At first it’s uncomfortable but practice changes everything.

Forfeit–there’s freedom in forfeit. “Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.” 2 Cor. 3:5 NIV).
Not forgiving myself is pride. If God forgives me how dare I not do the same? My lack of sufficiency is what keeps me dependent on Him. Pride’s gotta go.

Relax–God is trustworthy. “As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him (2 Sam.22:31 NKJV).
He gave His life to prove this. Salvation is a process. It isn’t instant and it’s never complete. I believe you make a one-time decision that secures your eternity. My eternity is settled but I still need saving. Constantly.

God will accomplish the right changes for us. When we do those three things, God does the work. Looking at who God is, helps us see how.

Yahweh Mekaddesh – The Lord sanctifies. I can’t do it alone.

Yahweh Ro’i – The Lord my shepherd. I need a guide.

Yahweh Tsidkenu – The Lord my righteousness. I have value in Him.

Our God is both able and willing to be all we need. The question’s been the same as long as I can remember. Will we let Him?

This new station is helping me relax the grip on my circumstances, forfeit to the power of God’s grace, and cultivate my crucial relationship with Christ.

I’m nowhere near perfect, but I’m at rest. It’s working.