“Cease striving and know that I am God. I will be exalted over the nations. I will be exalted over the earth”  (Psalm 46:10 NASB 1995).

I took piano lessons throughout my childhood. My piano teacher made me keep track of my practice time in a little notebook. He wrote the assignment, and I tracked the time. I earned several little trophies by spending hours at the piano. One week, I ramped up my efforts for a particular song. The notes looked complicated and fast-paced. I wanted to impress my teacher with the beautiful piece. I worked tirelessly.

When I got to the lesson, I played my piece with confidence. I’d even memorized portions of it to avoid a break when I turned the page. However, I learned it wrong. Several spots were wrong. In the end, it took me longer to undo my bad habits from the extensive efforts than if I had just taken the time to get it right the first time.

“It’s not practice makes perfect. Practice makes practiced. Perfect practice makes perfect.” My teacher knew my mistake without me having to explain.

Perhaps we all do it. We push through when we should step aside and take a break. I thought more time would fix my tempo issues, but it took the whole piece off course. This is why the psalmist reminds us to “cease striving.” In striving, we struggle to make things go our way. We devote serious efforts toward success when we just don’t have to. “Know that I am God.” We can rely on God to be faithful with the things we can’t control.

As a writer, I take extra time to edit and add more hours to get the introduction just so.  I send a few more emails to get the word out.  I strive to control the market and the message of my work.  In my personal life, I use careful planning with my family.  I strive for perfection in housekeeping, party-making, and parenting.  I add extra activities.  More practice.  The psalmist promises I can “cease striving,” because God will make himself known. I don’t have to do all of those things. I can trust God to do it for me.

Lord, thank you for your faithfulness toward me in all things. Help me to trust you in all the details.