Perfectionism: a disposition to feel that anything less than perfect is unacceptable.

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Perfect—it’s a seven-letter word that sounds good, seems admirable, suggests peace. It seems like a noble ambition. To be something good and to want something good is admirable, but if I’m going to be honest, it doesn’t take long to realize that perfect is addicting. It’s a constant cycle of overdosing on perfect, trying so desperately to attain happiness and peace. But it’s only a high. And it wears off quickly when you realize you will never get there. It’s never good enough. There’s always something more. It doesn’t take long for perfectionism to turn into a whirlwind of panic, a cyclone of thick emptiness. Perfect promises good things, so you keep trying. But reality is, perfect demands every last breath from your lungs and every last beat of your heart. Because perfect eventually kills. Perfect is toxic, sucking out the last of your sanity.

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The fact of the matter is, you can’t provide perfect, and trying to be perfect doesn’t provide peace. True perfection is not a standard reached. True perfection is simply abiding in Christ, eyes on Him. He is the one who makes you perfect. He is the one who provides your peace.

“You will keep him in perfect peace,

Whose mind is stayed on You,

Because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3

“It is God who arms me with strength,

And makes my way perfect.” Psalm 18:32

Having internal calm/living a quiet, simple life is possible. But it is not attained by trying to be enough, or idolizing perfect, or straining to reach unrealistic standards. The secret to an inner calm is to know that He is God—eyes on Him.

“Be still and know that I am God”.

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True perfection and peace come through praise. They come through praising God for who He is and all He’s done. That’s it. It’s that simple. Because praise redirects our gaze. Perfectionism is not a true promise of peace…it is really a prison of panic…a whirlwind of trying to be what only He can create in you.

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Peace comes through praise. Let praise redirect your life from striving to perfect yourself to praising Him for His perfect goodness and beauty. 🤍