Releasing The Guilt Of Unrealistic Expectations

How many times do we get caught in guilt around our failure to accomplish one of the following?

1.  It’s my job to fix all the hurt I’ve caused in the past

2.  It’s my job to fix everyone and everything that’s not right today

3.  It’s is my job to sort out the future and do whatever it takes to make it all fall into place

God is fully aware that you and I are not perfect.  God is also fully aware that the people we think are perfect are not.  It's time to quit wasting time and energy on false guilt that comes from comparing ourselves to others or to life in an unreal perfect world.

The good news that God gives us today is that:  "For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust .... And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."  (Psalm 103:14, Romans 8:28 NLT)

Jesus doesn't pile guilt on us for not being perfect.  He knows we are fragile and live imperfect lives in an imperfect world.  Sometimes we are so focused on our own feelings of guilt that we have no time or energy left to help and encourage someone else.  The good we could do gets lost in the imaginary unrealistic status we could never achieve.

As the AA slogan invites us, today is a great time to "Let go and let God".  It's the perfect time to let go of the guilt we've gathered from living with unrealistic expectations. 

God has good plans for us.  If we live in God's good plan today, all our tomorrows will be filled with the goodness that will overflow into them.  Let's respect the choices of others to either get on with their life and healing or not – God is offering the same healing to them today that He’s offering us.  Let's keep in mind that life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful.

©2015 Partners in Hope