This blog is based on notes from our podcast, Tuesday Talks, which goes live every Tuesday at 2 PM on our YouTube page and website. You can also find the devotional that accompanies the blog right here:

Psalm 37:4

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

This verse isn’t just a promise—it's a snapshot of God’s heart toward us. He delights in being with us, and He invites us into His presence in a way that lifts our burdens and replaces the pressure of striving with the joy of simply being with Him.

Let’s be real: we all hit points where we feel stuck. We’re looking for a breakthrough, wanting to grow, but we often make one big mistake: we think it's all on us. We put all the pressure on ourselves to make things happen. It’s easy to fall for the lie that the weight of our transformation, our growth, and our encounters with God is something we have to make happen. But the truth is, God is always the one making the first move.

One of the most foundational truths in our walk with God is that He always makes the first move toward us. Every time. Think about that: God’s love, His presence, and every encounter with Him begins with Him taking the first step. Not us.

Yet, so often, we try to muscle through life, thinking we have to “try harder” to connect with God. But here’s the thing: Jesus says, “We love Him because He first loved us.” The responsibility for revealing truth and initiating encounters is not on us—it’s on God. Our part? Simply to respond to His love. It’s not about us trying harder—it’s about us saying yes to Him.

When we feel like we’re the ones who have to make things happen, we’re carrying a burden that wasn’t meant for us to bear. And you know what that leads to? Stress. Burnout. A joyless faith. But God wants to free us from all of that. As a minister once said, “If it’s not fun or a joy, it’s probably just religion.” Our faith isn’t meant to be a list of to-dos—it’s meant to be a relationship that brings life and joy.

Imagine God saying, “There’s nothing you can do to make Me love you more, and nothing you can do to make Me love you less. I love you just because I love you—that’s who I am.”

God delights in revealing Himself to us. He wants us to show up, to rejoice, to trust in His love. When we let go of trying to “earn” His presence, we can just enjoy being in it. We don’t have to carry the weight of encounter or growth—that’s God’s job.

Instead of pushing ourselves to do better or try harder, God invites us to rest in His presence. This is how we can do that:

1. Become Aware of His Presence: Start by simply asking God to help you be more aware of Him. Acknowledge that He is with you and watch that awareness grow.

2. Take a Deep Breath and Release Control: Our job isn’t to force an encounter with God. It’s to relax and let Him meet us where we are.

3. Embrace His Joy and Kindness: Delight in who God is. Remember, He’s our Good Father. Jesus loves us more than we can fathom. The Holy Spirit treasures us.

4. Stop Striving—Just Be With Him: When we stop trying so hard, we make room for God to show up however He wants. Sometimes that’s through a tangible sense of His presence; sometimes it’s the quiet assurance that He’s there even when we can’t feel Him.

Letting go doesn’t mean being passive—it means learning to embrace stillness in God’s presence. We can let His peace fill our hearts as we breathe in His love. Just being with God, knowing that He’s there with us, is often the breakthrough our hearts need.

Some days, we’ll feel God’s presence like a warm embrace. Other days, we’ll have to trust that He’s there even when we don’t feel it. Whether we feel His love or simply trust in His promises, what matters most is being with Him, letting Him be who He is.

Beloved,

Your life isn’t defined by what you can see—it’s defined by how I work in and through you. I know every challenge you’ll face, and I will guide you into fullness, maturity, and favor. Remember, I am the initiator of your growth. My love and peace are yours to lean on, every single day.

Take time to simply thank Me for who I am. Let go of striving and rest in My love. I will always take the first step toward you—your only role is to respond.

As you go through this week, practice letting go. Take time to pause, breathe deeply, and thank God for who He is. Here’s a short prayer to help you begin:

Father, I turn off my circumstances right now and relax in You. Help me disconnect from striving and plug into Your peace, love, and rest. I choose to wait on You. Thank You for being my refuge, my peace, and my joy. Thank You for always being with me, even in moments when I don’t “feel” it. You are the initiator, and I’m here to respond to You. I am Your masterpiece, created in Christ.

Remember Ephesians 2:10, which says, “We are His masterpiece… fulfilling the destiny He has given each of us, joined to Jesus, the Anointed One.” Isn’t that freeing? Let the peace of God rise up within you and quiet your heart. Remember, your job is simply to respond, be open, and rest in His love.

In my own journey, I’ve learned that God’s kindness is unshakable. His love never wavers. He knows exactly who He wants to be for us at every moment. So here’s my encouragement: stop trying harder. Let God wrap you in His love.

If you’re not “feeling” anything from God, that’s okay. Trust in His goodness. Thank Him in expectation, knowing He’s always working. Sometimes He encounters us through our feelings, other times through our trust. Both are beautiful.

Beloved, the answer to everything you seek is always found in My Son, Jesus. Growth in Me is led by the Holy Spirit, your Helper, Trainer, and Comforter. No one is more creative than I am in creating opportunities for your growth.

In closing, know this: each day, God longs for time with you. The proof of His presence isn’t in our emotions, but in His promise to never leave or forsake us. When we let go of striving and focus on delighting in Him, His peace grows in our hearts, helping us be present with Him and feel the weight of His love and joy.

Just as God initiated our salvation through Jesus, He also initiates our growth. He’s got a plan for you. Our role is simple: receive His goodness, love, and presence. Live from that place of trust. 

This week, let go of trying harder and let God captivate your heart. When we do, our hearts are filled with peace, joy, and contentment—things we could never manufacture on our own.