Have you ever felt like you just can’t keep it all together? That all the moving pieces of your life just don’t fit into a neat little puzzle?
It’s in those times that my control-seeking, keep-it-all-together nature kicks into high gear. I start looking for solutions to every perceived challenge in my schedule, convinced that all I need is to find the perfect planner or the newest organizational hack and I’ll be able to remedy the burdens of my overwhelmed heart.
Here’s the thing though.
Over and over I forget to seek the only One who can soothe my scattered spirit. Before Googling for an answer or chatting with a friend or asking my husband for his input, it is God’s face I must seek first.
I’ve been a Christian for over 20 years, yet this basic truth still escapes me in certain seasons of my life.
Somehow I feel if I can’t do it all, be it all, have it all together in my own strength, then something must be wrong with me.
Have you felt this same way, dear friend? You are not alone.
I was reminded recently of a simple truth I often forget.
Rest in that for a minute. Take a breath. Maybe even say it out loud.
It is okay to not be okay.
It is okay to not have it all together.
It is okay to not be able to live this life well in your own strength.
If you’re a rule-following, structured type-A person like me, this concept may feel so unsettling. It does to me at times. But I’m learning that it’s the times when I’m the weakest that I learn the value of submitting to the Spirit’s work in my life.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Instead of measuring our value by our performance, let’s measure our value by God’s perfect love and Christ’s power in our lives.
Sometimes I need a tangible reminder though.
Lately I’ve soaked in this reminder by listening to the Christian music artist Plumb’s new CD, Exhale. So many words in the title song speak life into my heart. Her powerful lyrics remind me not be to afraid, not to hold on to shame, that there is still hope, and that everyone, yes everyone, is welcome in the arms of Jesus.
Later in the song I find myself pleading with her.
♪ Spirit come tear down these walls that only You can. ♪
Today I encourage you to take 3 minutes to watch this video and soak in the truths in her lyrics. If they speak to you and you’d like to listen to more, you can find the whole album here. You’ll find your heart encouraged by the themes of grace and hope, and if you’re like me, you’ll be singing along with her powerful voice as worship to our God who provides so richly.
If you’re reading in an email click here to view the video.
About PLUMB:
EXHALE, the seventh studio album from acclaimed multi-genre singer, songwriter and author PLUMB, expresses a new focus and vision. After the runaway success of NEED YOU NOW (the album, title track and book), which coincided with her own moving story of brokenness and ultimately healing, Exhale brims with worshipful songs of gratitude and hope.The defining concept of EXHALE was born from a sermon at Plumb’s home church, wherein her pastor Pete Wilson expressed the notion that the Church doesn’t exist for itself. Rather, believers come to church to breathe in grace and truth, be changed, and then go out and “exhale” that hope into their surrounding community.“That idea of exhaling hope hit me right away and I couldn’t get to the Notes section on my phone fast enough. I started writing the chorus of Exhale right then and there,” explains Plumb. “I have been made new by the ultimate hope, and I want to share and exhale that hope in every way I can.”
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“It’s okay to not be okay”. Simple words that certainly pack a punch because doesn’t out world say show the best you you can be at all times. Broken and messy certainly are not the norm. I love this and know that we are very similar in so many ways. Letting go and admitting we do not have all the answers is not easy but is so needed in order to let God do His thing. Love you!
Broken and messy aren’t the norm…in public, I’ve decided. I think everyone is broken and messy at home when they’re with their family, they just don’t show it when they’re out in public with others. I’m learning to be okay showing the messy and imperfect but sometimes it’d just be easier to keep pretending. I’m definitely a work in progress…God’s working in me every day!
Yes and AMEN! I am so thankful that we don’t have to pretend to be okay, when we really aren’t. And PLUMB’s new album has been on repeat in my car since I got it. So good!
I know…my kids are requesting “Exhale” over and over from the Plumb album. Love it. 🙂
And I had some good practice today not being okay not pretending that I was. But man, it’s SO much easier to pretend sometimes!
Thank you for this post. I am slowly beginning to consider re-entering into a walk with Jesus after over a decade of believing that there was no space for him in my life. Part of the problem is that so many Christians act as they have it all figured out, it didn’t seem there was space for my doubts and imperfections. Posts like yours allow me to feel that I might be able to, slowly, try again.
Hannah,
I’m humbled that you found this post helpful and am so glad that you’re reconsidering rekindling a relationship with Jesus. It’s surely never too late! I am encouraged daily that God doesn’t expect me to be perfect, only to trust Him and walk in obedience. I’m praying you’ll find a community of believers who can continue to encourage you as well!