Getting Off the Roller Coaster
Verse
2 Peter 1:2–4 (NLT)
May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.
Reflection
When we tie our sense of worth to success, approval, or achievement, life becomes an emotional roller coaster. We rise and fall based on outcomes, circumstances, or others’ opinions. Neil T. Anderson reminds us in Victory Over the Darkness that the only way to step off that roller coaster is to walk by faith according to the truth of God’s Word.
Real peace and purpose come when our minds are renewed to align with God’s truth about who we are and what truly matters. His Word reframes our view of success, significance, fulfillment, satisfaction, happiness, fun, security, and peace. God has already given us everything we need to live a life that reflects His goodness and power. Our part is to believe it and live like it’s true.
Steps
Redefine Success
Base your goals on faithfulness, not on outcomes. Know God’s ways and steward well the time, talents, and gifts He’s entrusted to you. Let your light shine so others glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
Pursue True Significance
Invest your time in eternal things. Discipline yourself for godliness (1 Timothy 4:7–8). What you do for Christ will last forever, no matter how small it seems (Ephesians 2:10).
Find Fulfillment
Bloom where you are planted. Use your unique gifts to serve others and glorify God (1 Peter 4:10). You are Christ’s ambassador, representing Him wherever you go (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Seek Satisfaction
Do fewer things with excellence rather than many things without depth. Hunger and thirst for righteousness, and you will be satisfied (Matthew 5:6).
Choose Happiness
Contentment grows when you want what you already have. Be grateful for God’s daily provision and find joy in His presence (1 Timothy 6:6–8).
Embrace Fun
Let go of the need to impress others. True joy comes from pleasing God, not people (Galatians 1:10). Live with the freedom of someone playing for an audience of One.
Rest in Security
Place your confidence in eternal promises, not temporary things. Jesus holds your life securely in His hand, and no one can snatch you away.
Live in Peace
Peace begins on the inside. Let the Word of Christ dwell richly in you, and let His peace rule your heart (Colossians 3:15–16).
Ask
Where am I still riding the emotional roller coaster of performance and approval?
Which of these eight truths—success, significance, fulfillment, satisfaction, happiness, fun, security, or peace—do I need to renew my mind around today?
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for giving me everything I need for life and godliness through Your Son, Jesus. Help me walk by faith, not by feelings. Teach me to find my worth in who You say I am, not in what I do or what others think. Renew my mind to reflect Your truth about success, peace, and joy. May Your Word shape my perspective and guide my steps today.
In the Mighty Name of Jesus, Amen.
Bonus Content
When you start to doubt yourself or feel unsure of your value, remind yourself of what is true. Neil Anderson’s “20 Cans of Success” helps you build confidence based on God’s Word and the strength you have in Christ, not on your own effort. Please click the button below to access, download, and print this resource.
