“Stop striving. God has you,” I said to myself during a challenging day with my health.

Stop striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted on the earth.

~Psalm 46:10 NASB

This verse is one of my favorite psalms and a good one to memorize. FreeDictionary.com defines “to strive” as to exert much effort or energy, endeavor, struggle, or fight forcefully; contend.

But doing this is an unhealthy mode of operation. God opened my eyes to this bad habit. This response meant I was not trusting Him. If I fully trusted Him, would I need all this force and fight?

I live with an autoimmune disease called scleroderma, which attacks healthy tissue, making it dead and scar-like. It’s painful and makes my joints stiff. Some days, it’s so bad I have to push myself to get through the day. Walking feels like I am wading through waist-deep water. But through prayer, I persevere.

However, at some point in my health-challenged journey, persevering to get through the day morphed into striving. Pushing myself to accomplish enough felt like an inevitable failure, regardless of my health.

Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light.

~Matthew 11:28-30 NASB

Striving does not fit in a relationship with God. Jesus also invited us to consider the ravens and lilies. He feeds and cares for the ravens and dresses the lilies in extraordinary beauty. How much more valuable are we to Him than birds or flowers? So why do we continue to strive daily?

One hand full of rest is better than two fists full of labor and striving after wind.

Ecclesiastes 4:6 NASB

Therefore, I should rest in God when scleroderma acts up. It’s comforting to remember all the good things God has done for me and use them to testify to His goodness. He will give us strength and healing. He is God, and He is good. And He loves us so much.

Think of areas in your life where you strive. Find a verse from God’s Word that paints over that area to fill it with God’s peace.

Heavenly Father, please help me remember Your Word so I am not tempted to strive. Help me not to forget Your goodness and to place my complete trust in You. I praise You, Lord Jesus, and love You. In Your mighty name, I pray, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2025: Stop Striving: Angela Dolbear: All Rights Reserved