At a particular vocal class, I learnt that the more I try to please my audience, the less I find. Immediately after that class, I found myself in a meeting where I felt I had to please someone and give her what she wanted. As a result, during that time I was uncomfortable, struggling to flow with God and unable to be who I really am or give fully from my heart.

My trainer said this : "We try so hard to hit the high notes, pulling and forcing and straining, but it's so difficult. Then we take a step back and let our voice find the note naturally, without straining and pushing, and although it sounds uncomfortable and unfamiliar to us, it's right."

As I sieved through today, my questions of whether what I did was good enough or if I did it the way she wanted pressed into my heart. I should have tried to please less, and not allowed myself to let that hang over me. Because in trying so hard, I found less. I was trying to mold my actions into something I felt she wanted, but maybe that wasn't what was really needed. I could only have found it by giving up my right to be protected from judgement and letting the natural take place - in this sense, God showing up. 


How often do we stress ourselves up and underperform our potential by trying to live up to people's expectations?


Lord Jesus, I repent of pleasing man instead of You. I choose not to be affected by comments, and turn a blind eye to being judged, that I may find the place of rest and peace in You. No need to perform, no need to force. Amen.