Restore My Soul – Persistence Rather Than Perfection

I’m enjoying working from home so much more than I ever expected and I’m starting to loosen up a bit….or so I thought.

Actually what I’ve done is shift my perfectionism from my work office to my home. I’ve been striving to keep my home perfectly clean, the laundry done, the yard mowed and trimmed and tried to become the perfect homemaker. It’s exhausting!

God’s message today for me: Persistence rather than perfection

My devotional today read:

“Much frustration and failure result from seeking perfection in this life. There is nothing perfect in this life. There is nothing perfect in this world except Me. That is why closeness to Me satisfies deep yearnings and fills you with joy.”

“I’ve planted longing for perfection in every human heart. This is a good desire which I alone can fill. Anything else becomes an idol. Make Me the deepest desire of your heart. Let me fulfill your yearning for perfection. I look for persistence rather than perfection in your walk with Me.” (Jesus Always)

In my quest for perfection I am placing other things before God, which makes them an idol. Exodus 20:3 says that we should have no other God’s before Him. That is exactly what my desire for perfection is doing, creating idols.

So how do I change that? Persistence. Continually choosing to place God first and center. Inviting Him in to each of my tasks and activities.

When I clean my house I listen to worship music and thank Him for a home to clean. As I mow the yard I thank Him for the beauty of the flowers and the scent of fresh cut grass. Even laundry can create a heart of thankfulness in His provision.

Knowing that God alone is perfect is so freeing. I don’t need to strive for perfection because I will never obtain it. Instead I can enjoy His perfect presence in everything I do and in His presence everything is just perfect.

My Prayer

Father, thank you for lifting the burden of perfectionism. No matter how hard I try, nothing is perfect without You. Your presence makes everything better and more enjoyable. Help me to seeking You first and always and invite You in to everything I do. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Where does my help come from?

2 Samuel 22:31

This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.