Written by Dana Ford, Relate Contributing Writer

 The best part about life is that we don’t have to be perfect. Let’s leave that up to God.

It’s an easy thing to say, but many times it’s hard for us to do. As perfectionists, as sensitive human beings, as humans captured in a world of sin and expectations, it becomes hard to remember who we are and where we belong. Who are we? A result of God’s greatest artwork. Where do we belong? Under God’s perfect wing.

It’s easy to lose sight of that. It’s easy to put God aside and try to live for ourselves. We try to be perfect, we try to be skinny, and we try to fit IN with a world where, really, we’re merely passing through to reach Heaven, a place of eternity. But God asks us: Why are you striving to be someone I did not make you to be? Why are you trying to prove you are something which you are not? Why are you crying when I made you with a smile? He says, “Let me lift you up. Don’t turn away from me, for I am perfect and you are made perfect in Me.”

God encourages us to encourage ourselves. He encourages us to remember that no matter what we do, we are perfect because He, our perfect God, created us.

Ways to encourage yourself:

#1: Don’t let yourself worry when you’re doing your best.

Matthew 6:27, 31, 33 says, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? [No one!] So do not worry saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

#2: Don’t let yourself hurry when success depends on accuracy.

Life is too precious to rush through. God has a plan for us and a hand upon our shoulder. He is perfect; His timing is perfect. There is no time limit on God’s will for our life. Everything will happen when it’s supposed to happen. Don’t hurry to make it happen sooner than God plans for it to.

#3: Don’t let yourself think evil of anyone.

Sometimes when we get caught up in a rush of sin, a rush of this world. It’s easy to put other people down or judge someone. God would never judge US, never purposely put US down, so we must love like God loves. Encourage others how you would like to be encouraged.

Remember: “There are high spots in all of our lives and most of them have come about through encouragement from someone else.” –George M. Adams

#4: Don’t let yourself believe a thing is impossible.

When you feel all hope is lost and nothing is working out, it’s easy to give up, and even give up on our God. But God says nothing is impossible with Him. So don’t be too hard on yourself because God has your best in mind.

Philippians 1:6 says, “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

See? No sense in trying to be perfect, worrying about how we look, worrying about what our future will hold. God already has that taken care of. God’s already perfect for us. And we are all perfect in Him.

Now, take a deep breath… relax… Yes, things are crazy; yes the world is going nuts.

Yet, deep underneath the stormy waves, there, in the core of your being, there is pure silence, pure love. And… it’s…just…OK.

Tags: Bible, Bible verses, Faith, god, hope, perfection, prayer, sin, trust in God, worrying