Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself

“Lay down the bat, and pick up a feather.”

—ANONYMOUS

Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.

—Matthew 11:29

Are you quick to judge and criticize yourself? If so, I highly recommend you read Matthew 11:28–30. Jesus said He is not harsh, hard, sharp, and pressing; but He is humble, gentle, meek, and lowly. If God is not hard on us, then we don’t need to be so hard on ourselves. Do you need a second chance? God gave Jonah one, and He gave Peter one, so why wouldn’t He be willing to give you one too?

Ask Him for a second chance or a third, fourth, fifth, or whatever you need. God is full of mercy and He is long-suffering. His loving-kindness never fails or comes to an end. If we keep an account of all our shortcomings and failures, we will feel oppressed. Jesus came to lift burdens, but we must be willing to believe He is greater than our mistakes. I don’t believe God is nearly as hard to please as we often think. After all, we are no surprise to Him. He knew all about each of us before He ever invited us into relationship with Him. If your life seems complicated, then perhaps you are simply too hard on yourself. Give yourself a break. Perhaps, if you receive more mercy from God for yourself, you will be able to extend mercy to others also.

God sees your heart and is always willing to work with anyone who refuses to give up. Keep pressing on and remember to let go of what is in the past. That may be the past of ten years ago or even five minutes ago. The point is, if it is past then you have to let it go and press on.