You've Got This

There is a phrase that is used too much on social media and in commercials. It is the phrase; “you got this!”

It is a catch phrase for being able to deal with something someone has been confronted with (not necessarily a bad thing). It is a colloquialism derived from “you have got this,”

FYI: "You got this" is more like slang; people say it all the time, but it's not technically correct. "You've got this" is actually grammatically correct.

It is used to help someone do something they are too scared of doing. If someone is not confident that they can do something, you say this to them to help them know they can.

It is used to tell someone that you believe they can or will succeed in dealing with something: “I know you can lose that weight! You got this!”

I have seen it said to individuals facing a new job, addictions, court appearances, new adventures, Covied-19, and even sleep apnea!

I know that I may seem a little cynical but DO YOU REALLY GOT THIS?

Really? Even AA will tell you that in order to beat addiction you have to first admit that you DON’T got this! That’s why you’re in a recovery community.

I would submit to you for consideration that we stop giving out this bad advice and help others to realize that here in lies their problem…

They’ve got it, but they are supposed to let it go!

Telling someone that they’ve got this implies that they don’t need anyone or, more importantly, God’s help.

I’m grateful the phrase wasn’t around when Jesus was going to the cross. I can almost hear one of the disciples looking at Jesus and giving Him two thumbs up as he exclaims; “You’ve got this!”

We are supposed to come to Jesus when we are weary and carrying heavy burdens so that He can give us rest (See Matthew 11:28)

We are supposed to cast our cares upon Jesus because He cares for us (See 1 Peter 5:7).

We are supposed to not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let our requests be made known to God (See Philippians 4:6-7).

We are supposed to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (See Matthew 6:24-34).

We are supposed to trust in the Lord with all our heart, and lean not on our own understanding. We are supposed to acknowledge the Lord in all our ways knowing that He will direct our paths (See Proverbs 3:5-6).

If we’ve got it, it’s because we are enduring with and through the help of the Lord; not our own strength.

So, stop telling people when they are facing a struggle or new opportunity that they’ve got it. Instead point them to the only One who can help them. 

Point them to the Great Shepherd of their souls who cares deeper than you or I ever could.