“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord.” Jeremiah 17:7 

In today’s age, it is easy to pretend. On social media, we show the world the perfect snapshots of our life. At work, we can focus on tasks and ignore getting to know people in order to succeed (and potentially move up the ladder). At church, we engage in small talk and pleasantries instead of allowing ourselves to be vulnerable. In dating, we often hide our true selves and succumb to society’s pressures to be part of a couple.

Please do not settle. Do not pretend to be something that you aren’t for the sake of being in a relationship or getting a promotion. Do not dumb yourself down to appease someone else. Don’t dress or diet for anyone but yourself. Don’t make yourself small. Do not be anything other than your true self, crazy and all. You were made in God’s image. Nothing about you is a mistake. Nothing.

Wait until the time is right to date your person. The someone who likes your quirks. The person who makes you a better person. The person that chases God with you. The more you look to God, the more you become who you were meant to be. How amazing would it be if you grew into that person with someone else who was interested in following Him?

Settling is far worse than being alone. Do not spend time on things or relationships that do not hold value. This is obviously easier said than done. When you log into Facebook and see another engagement, or baby shower, or wedding, it’s hard to not be envious. In those moments, it’s easy to lose sight of God—to forget that He has a plan designed uniquely for us.

Please remember you are powerful. You are beautiful. You are enough. You are worth more than a social media status. You weren’t created for anyone, to be anyone’s person. You were designed to be all that you are for yourself.

Preparation is a common theme throughout the Bible, and our lives. We pray to God to help us, or remind us, or comfort us. He responds by first addressing old hurts, baggage, mindsets, and false perceptions. When it’s so easy to fall into worldly habits, or settle for the wrong person, seek God. Give your anxieties over to God.

Are you are truly allowing God to break and mold you for His glory? To make plans for you according to His will? To use you for His purpose?

Let’s be honest. When you are preoccupied with being in a relationship, or getting a promotion, you are no longer putting God first. You are losing sight of Him and His plans for you. Just let go. Surrender.

Father God, take all of my hurt and insecurities. I trust you with all of my baggage. I surrender to your plans for me, Father God. I place my heart, my anxieties, my fears in your capable and loving hands. Lead me to the path that you created for me, so that I can do your will. Amen.