Summer Vibes OnlySample

NO PRESSURE

Putting all your focus on what you're "supposed to do" or achieve is exhausting. 

We make elaborate plans to meet expectations or make something special — I'm looking at you, promposal. And while we're sweating all the details and stressing over the outcome, we forget an important truth. 

Outcomes are not up to us. We can't control what will happen an hour from now, much less tomorrow. "The Message" paraphrases Proverbs 16:1 like this: "Mortals make elaborate plans, but God has the last word."

The pressure you feel to perform is not from the Lord. Where the world says, "Work harder," God says "Give your work to me." When we align our hearts with God's heart, His plans become our plans. 

The pressure we used to feel gradually disappears because we're partnering with God instead of pursuing our own agenda. This doesn't mean we don't work hard or give our best. But when our plans align with God's plans, the hard things are less overwhelming because we're not working through them alone. We've got the God of the universe by our side, directing our steps.

God wants to see you succeed in life, but that might mean redirecting your efforts. Instead of creating your own five-year plan and asking God to bless that, take a step back. Ask God to reveal His plan for your life, then do what He tells you to do.  

Respond 

• Sometimes, we put pressure on ourselves by trying to live out someone else's purpose. Are you trying to run someone else's race? 
• What is God telling you right now? Take a few quiet moments to ask God what He wants to do in your life and how you can partner with Him in it.