Perfection. It is something that I believe many wish they could achieve – that feeling that everything you do is right, well done, accomplished without mistake, flaw, or failure on any level.

I know that desire for perfection, at least for me, is pretty strong and distracts me from my mission. It draws me into feelings of guilt and depression, unworthiness, and frustration. I want to do what is right, yet make wrong choices. I want to serve others well, yet find myself trying to meet expectations set by others instead of simply trying to please God. I want to live as a whole, fulfilled person, yet allow those imperfections to remind me of how far I still have to go, pulling me into depression and defeat.

And this isn’t something that randomly hits me. No. I deal with it almost daily. It has become a temptation in my life. A temptation to try my hardest to be perfect. A temptation to set expectations on myself that I cannot fulfill. A temptation to give up on doing what is right and pleasing to God because the failures I experience remind me how difficult following after God can be and how far I still have to go.

So, as I faced another moment of battling my thoughts today, this Scripture from Lamentations was where God led me. And guys, I was blown away. God speaks to us if we listen. His Word is living, powerful, and active in our lives when we allow it to be.

“This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. The Lord’s lovingkindndesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23 NASB

Do you get what this passage says? I fail daily, but I have hope. I may NEVER be perfect, but I have hope. Why? Because His love is never ending towards me. His compassion towards me is unending and relentless. Every morning they are new. His faithfulness towards me is great!

That is what God reminded me of today. I fail often, but I am not a failure. I cannot attain perfection, but I belong to the One who is perfection. I get disgusted at myself often, but He sees me with eyes of love and compassion. He offers me mercy in my failure and imperfection daily.

And today, as I read this passage and listened to His voice, I took captive my thoughts and forced them into submission to His word. I don’t have to be perfect. I don’t have to fight this perfection battle alone. Even when my sinfulness and failure leads me away, I still have hope because He pursues me with passionate grace and mercy. For that I am eternally thankful.