There’s a phrase that’s become a sort of battle cry in our culture:
“You got this.”
It’s plastered on coffee mugs, motivational memes, and well-meaning encouragements from friends. And don’t get me wrong—it’s meant with love. Sometimes it even helps. But other times?
I just want to whisper back:
“Actually... I don’t got this.” And maybe, neither do you.
There are days when the weight of everything—expectations, responsibilities, relationships, regrets—just sits too heavy on the soul. Days when the to-do list becomes a reminder of what you haven’t done.
When the texts go unanswered because you’re too tired to explain.
When even good things feel like too much. And in those moments, hearing “you got this” can feel like pressure instead of comfort. So let me say something you might need to hear today:
It’s okay if you don’t got this.
It doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re human.
Somewhere along the way, many of us learned that strength looks like control. That faith looks like having answers. That maturity looks like managing it all with a smile. But what if true strength is knowing when to let go?
What if faith looks more like surrender than strategy?
What if the holiest prayer some days is simply, “Lord, I can’t.”I think that’s a kind of worship, too.
Grace doesn’t shout “TRY HARDER.”
Grace whispers, “Come rest.”
Grace reminds us that God’s got this—even when we don’t. That’s not a religious cliché. That’s survival. That’s truth.
Because when your own strength runs out (and it will), God’s strength is still more than enough. Not in a fairytale-ending kind of way.
In a real-life, He’s-with-you-in-the-middle-of-it kind of way.
So if today you feel like the wheels are coming off…
If the faith is thin, the breath is shallow, the pressure is building…You’re not failing.
You’re not less spiritual.
You’re not disappointing God. You’re just finally being honest. And that’s where real healing begins.
I don’t got this either—not all the time.
Not when I’m trying to be everything to everyone.
Not when I’m chasing peace but waking up anxious.
Not when life throws curveballs and I’m still catching my breath from the last one. But I’ve learned (and am still learning) that I don’t have to carry it all.
I’m allowed to fall apart.
I’m allowed to ask for help.
I’m allowed to let grace catch me when I finally stop trying to be my own savior.
So if you’re in a season where all you can say is “I don’t got this,”
I want you to know—You don’t have to.
God does.
And He’s not going anywhere. That’s not weakness. That’s wisdom.
That’s trust.
That’s enough for today.
Love you all - John