Perfectionism seems to be woven into my genetic code, and yet, I have made a joyful recovery from perfectionism with God’s help.
As a firstborn in my family, I was responsible practically from the day I was born. Since our culture rewards perfection in many ways, I pursued it with all my might. Unfortunately (yet predictably) that caused me to suffer from several seasons of depression.
Getting Help for Perfectionism
As an adult, I sought Christian counseling for the depression I couldn’t shake. I didn’t know I would soon receive treatment for perfectionism as well as depression.
My counselor helped me unpack my long-seated fears of being a burden to others, which I had tried to alleviate by behaving perfectly. When I began to move out from under the heavy yoke of perfectionism, I discovered God delights in me even though I’m imperfect and always will be.
A unique kind of joy is revealed in recovery from perfectionism. God wants us to be free from this crushing burden. He wants us to live a life of abundance, which cannot exist in a perfectionistic world.
The tapes of perfectionism still play in my mind sometimes, even though I finished my season of counseling years ago. Those accusing voices whisper, Try harder. You’re not good enough. You’re going to fail.
When I hear perfection whispering, I counter with the scriptures on this printable, available in my Library for subscribers to my Tea on Tuesdays newsletter. Sign up HERE or below in the pink boxes for instant access!
None of us can ever be perfect. But we can be joyful in our imperfect state, set free by the Lord God Almighty, who loves us with an everlasting love.
I’m sharing more of my story of recovery with you at Devotable today. Here’s a peek at my post, and I hope you’ll head over to read the rest.
How to Overcome Perfectionism
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18 NIV
Have you struggled on a quest for perfection your whole life? It’s been my struggle as long as I can remember.
Perfectionism was on the underside of every label I wore as a child:
- Responsible.
- Mature.
- Well-behaved.
- Always striving.
- Never satisfied.
Perfectionism patted me on the head when I was praised for being good. It lured me with its promise of control, as a five-year-old struggling after my parents’ divorce. My world was a tornado of emotional chaos, and perfection seemed to present the solution.
In school I hated when classmates called me “Miss Perfect.” Deep down I knew I was far from perfect…
Head over to Devotable to learn how God can help you have recovery from perfectionism.
None of us can ever be perfect. But we can be joyful in our imperfect state, set free by the Lord God Almighty, who loves us with an everlasting love. #perfectionism #recovery Click To TweetUPDATED 8.17.21 – If I do what God tells me, when he tells me to do it, he will bring fruit from that obedience.
I talk about my recovery from perfectionism on this interview with Gina Fox of the Anchored by the Sword Podcast HERE!
If you liked this post, I would appreciate your shares on social media!
This post may be linked up at these linkups.
If you make a purchase through the provided links, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance for supporting my writing ministry!
My weekly newsletter Tea on Tuesdays is delivered at 3:00 p.m. Central time every Tuesday. I write an exclusive devotion for you each week that I share with you first.
To receive the newsletter, please subscribe below. I can’t wait to share personally with you each week!