It's Okay Not to Be Okay

1. It's Okay Not to Be Okay: Embrace Imperfection

I’ve let go of beating myself up trying to live a life that Jesus never asked me to live.

Release the pressure. The pursuit of perfection is a trap. It's okay to acknowledge that you're not okay, because that's where true healing and growth begin. Jesus came for the broken, not the perfect.

Unrealistic expectations. Many of us live with a punishing list of things we think we need to get right, leading to constant self-judgment and disappointment. This list often stems from unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves, expecting to be everything to everyone.

Embrace grace. God's love isn't based on our behavior. It's a gift freely given. Embrace the unforced rhythms of grace, learning to live freely and lightly, side by side with Jesus.

2. Acknowledge Your Struggles: Honesty is the First Step

O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.

Gut-level honesty. The first step to moving forward is having a gut-level, honest conversation with God. Pour out your heart, your fears, your anger, and your disappointments. He already knows it all.

Authenticity with God. It's easy to hide our true selves, but God invites us to be authentic and raw. He doesn't want a polished version of us; He wants our real hearts.

God's refuge. When we pour out our hearts to God, we find refuge in Him. He is our safe place, our comfort, and our strength. He doesn't judge us; He loves us.

3. Transform Your Thinking: Renew Your Mind

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.

Internal transformation. True change comes from within. It's not enough to simply change our behavior; we must transform the way we think.

Mind renewal. The only way to be transformed is to have our minds renewed. This is a joint work between our commitment to become more like Christ and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit working in us.

Intentional choices. We must be intentional about what we allow to influence our minds. Eliminate programs, magazines, or relationships that feed into wrong ways of thinking. Spend time with friends who bring you closer to Christ.

4. Face Your Fears: Do It Afraid

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Fear's paralyzing grip. Fear can paralyze us and keep us from being who we were created to be. It can hold us back from stepping out in faith and living the life we long for.

Do it afraid. Don't wait for the fear to disappear. Step out in faith, even when you're afraid. Leave the results to God.

Small seed of faith. God takes us where we are, and when we step out and offer Him the smallest wisp of faith, He moves on our behalf. It is God that moves the mountain, we just need the tiny seed of faith.

5. Surrender Control: Trust God's Plan

You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.

God's sovereignty. Even when things seem out of control, God is still on the throne. He is working all things together for the good of those who love Him.

Letting go. The greatest truth that helps us let go of what we can't control is the foundational belief that no matter how things appear, God is still in control.

Joseph's example. Joseph's story is a powerful reminder that even when people intend to harm us, God is still in control. He will bring good from it, even if it doesn't happen on our schedule.

6. Rise Above Disappointment: Find Strength in Brokenness

And this hope will not lead to disappointment.

Disappointment's sting. Disappointment is one of the hardest emotions to handle. It can leave us feeling heartbroken, isolated, and discouraged.

God's presence in the hallway. Even when doors are slammed in our faces, God is with us. His presence can be most keenly felt in the hallway, in the midst of our disappointment.

Redeeming suffering. Nothing you walk through is wasted with God. He redeems every drop of our suffering, using our brokenness to comfort and encourage others.

7. Celebrate Your Scars: Tattoos of Triumph

He will be known by the scars.

Scars tell a story. Scars are not signs of weakness; they are tattoos of triumph. They are proof that we have survived and overcome.

Christ's scars. Christ chose to live eternally with His scars. They are a reminder of His sacrifice and His victory over death.

Embrace your scars. Don't be ashamed of your scars. Celebrate them as a testament to God's healing power and your resilience.

8. Start Again: Embrace the Journey

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

Ongoing process. Life is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs, successes and failures. The key is to keep moving forward, one step at a time.

God's faithfulness. God is faithful to complete the work He began in you. He will never give up on you.

Embrace the journey. Don't strive for perfection; embrace the journey. Allow God to work in you, to shape you, and to mold you into the person He created you to be.

Last updated: March 1, 2025