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#036: The "Fix-It" Loop: Why your "Best Self" is an Exhausting Master

Why your feed is making you feel like a project, not a person—and the relief the "Already Held" can provide

AuthorAuthor

Ravi Patel & Chriss Mogaka
December 28, 2025

📱 TL;DR

While the global personal development market is projected to surge toward $53 billion in 2025, the internal "peace" it promises remains elusive. We’re exploring a deeper truth: You were created to be a person to be loved, not a project to be managed. Real rest doesn't come from the right "hack," but from the right Master.

Welcome, Family

We’re staring down the barrel of another season of "New Year, New You" marketing. In today’s society, the pressure to "level up" is constant—better gym habits, better productivity, even "better" spiritual routines.

Last week, we talked about Meekness (power under control). This week, we’re looking at the shadow side of that power: the exhausting urge to "fix" ourselves through the endless scroll. We’re asking:

What happens when our pursuit of "growth" actually leads us away from God's grace?

🍞 This Week's Bread

  • ⏳ The Sign: The Optimization Trap vs. The Liturgy of the Scroll

  • đź“– The Word: The "Unforced" Rhythms—Breaking the Project Mindset

  • 🌍 The Witness: The Speed of the Soul (Why Growth feels "Slow")

  • 🔥 The Work: Are You Growing or Just Grinding? (The Diagnostic)

  • 🙏 Prayer Corner: For those weary of the "Self-Help" Yoke

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⏳ THE SIGN
The Optimization Trap vs. The Liturgy of the Scroll The Data

In late 2025, Barna research reveals a striking paradox: while Bible engagement remains a priority for many, anxiety regarding "purpose" is at an all-time high. We are searching for answers, but we are doing it with the posture of a "user" rather than a "disciple."

The Shift: We’ve traded the "Secret Place" for the "Search Bar."

Recent studies suggest that smartphone screen time reduction of just one hour a day significantly decreases depressive symptoms—proving our digital "solutions" are often our biggest stressors.

The Takeaway: You cannot "life-hack" your way into the Peace of God. Optimization is about efficiency; Sanctification is about surrender.

đź“– THE WORD
The "Unforced" Rhythms—Breaking the Project Mindset

To find the exit ramp from the "Fix-It" loop, we look at the posture of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

  1. The "Weary" Recognition: Jesus doesn't call the "optimized." He calls the heavy laden. If you feel like a failure at "self-care," you are exactly who He is looking for.

  2. The "Unforced" Rhythms: In the Message translation, Jesus speaks of the "unforced rhythms of grace." Most of our digital lives are forced. Grace is a gift you receive, not a goal you achieve.

  3. The "Person" Principle: In John 15, Jesus calls us "friends," not "employees" or "contractors." A project is something you finish; a friend is someone you remain with.

🌍 THE WITNESS
The Speed of the Soul (Why Growth feels "Slow")

The algorithm promises you’ll "fixed" by the next ad break. But God’s timeline for human formation is notoriously slow. Historical data on the Sabbath rhythm shows that it was designed not just for "rest," but as a remedy for the "human restlessness" of a production-based society.

  • The Brain: 2025 neuroplasticity research confirms that deep, lasting habit change can take over 300 days—not the 21 days social media promises.

  • The Soul: We are an "instant-fix" culture trying to serve a "Sabbath" God.

🔥 THE WORK
Are You Growing or Just Grinding?

Research on spiritual resilience shows that those who thrive are those who can distinguish between "religious performance" and "relational presence."

  1. The "Search Bar" Test

    • The Scenario: You feel a pang of loneliness or inadequacy.

    • The Check: Do you immediately open an app to "find a solution," or can you sit in the silence for 2 minutes to let God see you?

  2. The "Incomplete" Test

    • The Scenario: You end your day with 5 things still on your "Self-Improvement" list.

    • The Check: Do you feel like a "failure," or can you sleep knowing your worth isn't tied to your productivity?

Your Move: This week, every time you feel that "itch" to scroll for a fix, say: "I am a person to be loved, not a project to be fixed. I am already held."

🙏 PRAYER CORNER

This week, we’re interceding for:

  • The person who feels "behind" in life because of a highlight reel.

  • Those addicted to the "Self-Help" loop who have lost the joy of the Gospel.

  • Our generation—to find the relief of being 'unfinished' in the Father's house.

Let's Pray:

“Father, we confess we have treated our souls like businesses to be managed. We have scrolled for answers that only come in the Silence. Forgive us for trying to "fix" what You have already redeemed.

Grant us the relief of being 'unfinished' in Your presence. Like the servants at Cana, let us simply do what You say and leave the "transformation" to You. Amen.”

đź“… What's Next

🎯 100 Days of Love in Action Challenge
Now - Dec 31st
One intentional act of kindness every day

Virtual Prayer Meeting (Virtual)
Wednesday, December 31st (8-9 PM ET)
[đź”— Join Live] 

Virtual Bible Study (Virtual)
Friday, January 2nd (8-10 PM ET)
[đź”— Join Live] 

  • Forward this to someone who is stuck on the scroll

  • Follow @mogakaeventsministry for encouragement through faith

✝️ Final Word

Stop trying to "curate" a life that Jesus has already bought. You are a person to be loved, not a project to be fixed. Lock your phone. Take a breath. You are already held.

In His Love,
- Mogaka Events Ministry

P.S. I’m curious—what is the one "self-improvement" habit you’ve tried this year that felt more like a burden than a blessing? Hit reply and let me know. I’m reading every response this week as we pray for our community’s rest.

Come As You Are is a Spirit-led devotional for young adults hungry for God's presence. Written by Ravi Patel and Chriss Mogaka.