Monday November 14 2016  GOD’S APPROVAL WILL SHOW

As long as we (collective we) allow what other people think to determine our decisions, we will never live free.  Is this a true statement or a derogatory statement?  When we so crave the approval of others we often make decisions to conform to what we think will most impress the other in order to have their approval.  It is the beginning of our loss of self esteem.

Recently several thousand people at a church were given a piece of paper and asked to write their five most burdensome behaviors that they can’t seem to overcome.  I found it interesting that the behavior that took first place was “lack of self esteem and need for approval”.  The sermon went on to say that the need for approval from others is like living in bondage.  The need is so great that many will go along with the crowd in order to fit in, vote for who their peers vote for, deny things they believe in and choose to do things they do not believe in order to gain the approval of others.

Personally, I believe that a lack of self esteem and a need for approval from others causes us to conform to what we believe others want us to be.  We strive for that ever illusive state of perfectionism.  It’s as if we must prove to those around us that we are worthy.  It places a heavy burden on the person of this mindset. 

I know…I have been down that road.  And sometimes I feel as if I am still on it.  It is not fun when all of a sudden your eyes are opened and you discover things about yourself that you did not realize before.  But, until you see yourself in the light of how others see you, the situation cannot be addressed.  I don’t know about you, but I desire to be on a path of wholeness and healing.  When I need to change, I hope that I am pliable enough for God to speak to my heart so that I can change.  God does not want us burdened down by any kind of behavior that holds us back from the fullness of life that He intends for us.  Whatever your behavior is that needs to be dealt with, whether it be bad thoughts, a foul mouth, an addiction, pornography, low self esteem, the need for approval, or any number of other things, God wants us to lay it at His feet and give it to Him.  It may not mean that it will immediately disappear with the snap of a finger, but it does mean that God will give us the strength to daily give it to Him until we no longer pick it up again.

The only approval we need is God’s approval.    

 

GOD’S APPROVAL WILL SHOW

Kathleen Martens

November 14, 2016

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Bring to God

All burden of woe,

Sorrow, and pain,

That torments the soul.

 

Whatever the cross

That you carry

God is with you,

And He will tarry.

 

If it’s bad thoughts

You can’t let go,

Or from your mouth

Vile words flow,

 

Or smutty pictures

You crave to see,

Give it to God,

He’ll set you free.

 

If you have hatred

Stuck down deep,

He can heal your wound

So it no longer seeps.

 

Whatever your pain

He can take it away

And replace it with peace

Each and every day.

 

If you need approval

And your self esteem low

Turn to Him,

His approval will show.

 

We only answer to God

Not to those around.

When we surrender to God

Then healing is found.

 

Thank You Father that You shine down Your approval on those who seek You.

Thank You that You are my Heavenly Father.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!