John 12:42 & 43 (Message)
“On the other hand, a considerable number from the ranks of the leaders did believe. But because of the Pharisees, they didn’t come out in the open with it. They were afraid of getting kicked out of the meeting place. When push came to shove they cared more for human approval than for God’s glory.”
Oh snap, how many of us have an issue with needing the approval of others. Or maybe it’s just me so I’ll just keep writing this devo for my own sake. No but really, we all can go back in the day when we needed to buy the right mc hammer pants, or have our hair at a perfect height, or have the right high tops. Even more, you needed to make sure you spoke the right words in convo right? ‘Sweet Dude’, ‘That’s rad’, ‘Like totally’. ‘No duh’. My kids would die if they were reading this right now. Are you kidding mom, you said those words? Haha! I’m thinking for some of us it definitely went a bit deeper. There were days when a certain girl or boy wouldn’t even give us the time of day and we’d go home in tears, lock ourselves in our room, and cry. We’d get to that ugly place where we were questioning what was wrong with us. And now bring it home to the present day. We’ve still got the same flippin issue don’t we? Don’t you remember thinking as a kid, when I’m older, it will be so much easier. Oh sweet child of Jesus, if we could only fill you in back then.
So here we are, struggling with the need for approval. Watching Facebook or Instagram and seeing the few people you’ve thrown yourself at, get together without you. Once again, the feeling, what’s wrong with me? Let me just answer that for you……NOTHING!!!!!!! You are perfect just the way you are and so am I. One thing I’m learning more and more is that we cannot control what others do, say, or feel. BUT we can control how we react to the situation. God has the perfect friends for you, the people to surround you in this time of your life. He does! Who you may think you need to be around, maybe wouldn’t fill your soul as much as you think. Maybe, just maybe, He’s protecting you from getting hurt even more. Here’s the kicker and super super hard to rest in BUT is the ultimate answer: the only approval we need is from Jesus. Seriously. I know that can be hard because He isn’t even physically here which in turn can make us still feel alone BUT I will assure you that when you go to him with your longing, there will be this peace, this acceptance, that will come over you. It’s like this super power that all the sudden you feel like, ain’t nothing gonna hurt me now. Your eyes will begin to see things a bit differently. The weight and the need of approval will lift. I’ve been there and still am there, so trust me, it does work, this whole praying to Jesus thing. (wink)
I challenge you to release those who you seek approval from to Jesus. Just be real with Him. Watch how the power that it has over you get lifted. He’s a pretty cool dude and can do pretty amazing stuff.
“When we approve of ourselves, rather than always seeking approval from others, we find happiness.”
Wounded to Warrior 