There is an element of everything that we learn that needs to be refreshed. Just like there are seasons on the earth where things are reborn, we have to keep refreshing seasons of our lives. Just because I can cook today, doesn't mean I don't ever learn new recipes. I may be good at basketball, or exercise, or pickleball. If I don't practice or push myself, I don't get better. I have to make room to backtrack and course correct.
There is something I am well practiced at that I need to undo. I am listening to God about people-pleasing and how that ties into learning about grace this year. I work so hard to meet people's expectations in so many areas of my life and I listen to what that speaks to me. Sometimes that means I feel great because I performed well for them, and sometimes I feel awful because I was not enough. I don't have to work to receive God's favor. My peace doesn't have to depend on my performance. Even though I know this with head knowledge, I have to keep looking heart deep because it sneaks back in as a default behavior.
What is a default that you need to keep tabs on?
Where do you need to refresh a truth that you have learned?
Maybe it's something you conquered but it's managed to sneak in the back door.
I cannot make everyone happy. This one is so hard for me. It's root is really pride. Yes, I do want people to be happy, and I take joy when I get to participate in that. But if I am honest, I sometimes just want people to be happy with me. It's how I can measure my importance.
It's not even just the wrong measuring stick, it's the wrong idea at all. Measuring shouldn't be on my radar. In my relationship with God, I'm receiving not earning. There is nothing to measure.
Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding. 2 Corinthians 10:12
When I try to measure or compare myself I show that I don't understand.
For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For the desire to do what is good is with me, but there is no ability to do it. Romans 7:18
On my own I am not able to be good or do good. I don't have that ability. Only God gives me the power to know and do good.
Pleasing all the people, is really about me. Receiving God's grace is all about Him. Sometimes I get confused about who this story is about.
God, help me take my eyes off of myself and how I'm finding my value in me. Remind me that I am valuable to You because You love me, and that is what defines me. This can be hard to understand and even harder to rest in. Help me. You can discern the thoughts and intentions of my heart even when I can't. Show them to me and help me take them captive to obey Christ. Thank you that you know I will mess up again, but you love me because it's who You are.