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If I could sum up my life so far in one word, it would be "expectations." My parents always expected me to do well in school. They expected me to make good life decisions. I expected me to be a great wife. I expected me to be a "good girl." I expect me to be a good leader, yet humble, compassionate, encouraging.
It's a lot of pressure - not ill-intentioned - but expectations are a heavy burden. God never intended us to carry this load. He wants us to trust Him and give Him our burdens. Galatians 5:1 says, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by the yoke of slavery." (NIV)
"Do not let yourselves be burdened again by the yoke of slavery." Slavery is defined as a condition of exhausting labor or restricted freedom. It's exactly what we experience when we try to live up to unnatural expectations.
"Do not let yourselves be burdened again." Again. That's exactly my problem. I know I can't live up to expectations -- my own or others. Yet, I try. Again. I fail. Again. I am disappointed in myself. Again.
Maybe you, like me, carry burdens that wear you down. Do you try to be the "perfect" wife? The "perfect" mom? Or friend? Do you juggle work, home, children and marriage wondering what will fall through the cracks next? What about guilt - do you hide your mistakes, worries and fears hoping no one will notice you're not really "all that and a bag of chips"?
My prayer today is this verse, Galatians 5:1. Thank you God for my freedom in Christ who sets me free. Help me stand firm and do not let me be burdened again by the yoke of slavery. Help me let go of those unreasonable expectations I put on myself. Amen
Life is too precious to live in regret. It's a gift too precious to waste in exhaustion, stress, worry, and frustration. What do you need to give up once and for all? Will you do it?
9 comments:
Excellent post, Karen. I'm sure many will identify. If not given over to the One who desires them, yes, our burdens become heavy.
While we might succeed at giving our personal expectations/burdens to God, do we do the same for our children; our grown children? Or do we manipulate/guilt them into doing things to please us? 1 Corinthians 13 reminds us that love is patient and not self-seeking...among others! A lot easier said than done.
Thank you for this post!
Thanks for that post, Karen! I needed that! I was just praying about that issue this morning!
Dawn, it's good to know I'm not the only one... and I pray you discover joy in freedom from the burdens. =)
Thankful for a mighty God who can carry it all!
I shed a tear reading this, because I still struggle to be "perfect," and I can't. The pressure can be unbearable because either I've set the standards so high, or I think this is what will please everyone else. It becomes a vicious cycle, one that I don't want to keep up with because it's exhausting. So today I stand firm, not be burdened by this much longer. Thank you!
Haitian Phoenix,
I am praying for you right now.
Dear Lord,
Please comfort this person in your love. Remind her that you love her just as she is. You have blessed her with special gifts, a special plan and a purpose that is all hers. Give her peace. Help her rest in your arms and not be overwhelmed by what the world demands. Help her realize that she is loved. Period.
In Jesus' name I pray,
Amen
Thank you for that! I truly needed it!!
I hope you'll pray it for yourself -- every day until you believe that God loves you.
Some verses for you:
John 3:16.
Psalm 139:13-16
Jeremiah 29:11-13
Again thank you for your kind words and prayers! I think I need to reacquaint myself with the bible. I've been out of touch for too long!
Haitian Phoenix,
Please email me anytime. I'm not a Bible expert by any stretch of the imagination, but I love God and I know he loves me -- and you. You can get to my email on the contact button above if you ever need/want more information.
Lots of love,
Karen
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