When You Struggle To Be Worthy in Their Eyes #31DaysofPraise
“The Lord is the One who will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:8
We keep looking around to see who approves. We worry whether they’ll find our actions worthy, our words appropriate.
We walk a tightrope trying to prove ourselves and be accepted.
I’ve tried so hard to move beyond the high school “fitting in”/popularity race, yet nearly 30-years later the race is still going strong. And too often, I find myself running in the middle of the pack.
Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t think so.
We all want to fit in, to be accepted. It’s a condition of the human heart. We are desperate for validation.
So we question our actions until someone gives us a thumbs up. We question our words until someone gives us an Amen.
In contrast, we feel defeated and worth-less when we don’t get either.
Whose Validation Are We Seeking?
But really, who’s validation should we be looking for? It’s not our neighbors, our children’s, our friend’s, or our spouse’s.
We want to treat them right, of course. But no matter how much they love us, their acceptance is conditional, their perspective skewed.
The Lord is the only One who perfectly loves, perfectly accepts, perfectly validates. In Christ, we can have certain assurance of our worth in His eyes.
In Christ, we can have certain assurance of our worth in His eyes. #31DaysofPraise Share on X
The Only Opinion that Matters
The real validation we seek, then, should be the Lord’s. In His affirmation is wrapped up all that is right and good.
Deuteronomy 31:8 is powerful because it reminds us who has our back. God goes with us. He is faithful to always be there.
We needn’t fear or get discouraged by what others think or say about us if God gives us His thumbs up.
We needn’t fear or get discouraged by what others think or say about us if God offers His Amen.
When we get things right with the Lord, which we can do in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit, no one else’s opinion really matters.
And when we fall short, which we will, He is there to remind us of His undying love and forgiveness, pouring out a grace that far exceeds our shortcomings.
Yes, our flesh screams for us to measure our actions and words by what the world (or at least those in our sphere of influence) thinks.
It can be frustrating how often I still fall into that trap.
Worthy in the Lord
But I continue to remind myself, true and meaningful validation is only found in the Lord. In Him, I am worthy!
And He will never leave me or forsake me. The same can be said on your behalf.
Now those are sweet promises!
True and meaningful validation is only found in the Lord, and He will never leave us or forsake us. Share on X
Reflections: Where/from whom do you tend to seek validation? Remember, God’s with you, leading and loving you, always. His affirmation is all that matters. Praise Him for His faithfulness!
If you like these short devotions on praise, be sure to check out my devotional on Amazon, “Everyday Praise: Walking in Greater Peace.” Just click here!
I am always thrilled to link up with Suzie Eller for #livefreeThursday and this week’s prompt, “validate.” I love these special linkups. They provide an abundance of great inspiration and encouragement all in one place. Click on the image below or link above to check them out.
By His Grace,
Julie
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Hello, I'm Julie, an imperfect wife and mother of four. Life in this broken world is not always easy. Yet, joy can be found in each day through the grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I find it's easy for our day's blessings to get lost in its happenings. But God's "mercies never end" (Lamentations 3:22) and His "grace is sufficient" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
May the posts and pages on this site offer you a measure of peace and encouragement.
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Yes Yes YES!!!! We all need this reminder; thank you, Julie! #livefreeThursday
You’re very welcome, Crystal. Live free!
This is an area I’m in constant prayer about. I have a sticky note right here on my computer that says, “Bringing glory? Or affirming myself?” I appreciate you speaking truth once again to all of us:) Have a great week Julie!
Aww, thanks Meg! Love the note. Mind if I rip off the saying?
Not at all:)
Julie, your title caught my eye, but the verse at the beginning really drew me in. (It just so happens to be my favorite verse in the entire Bible and has been prominently displayed on my fridge door for years.) I love how you applied it to the topic of validation … it’s so comforting to know God is always with us, no matter what anyone else may say or think about us! #livefreeThursday
Lois, thank you for your comment! Deuteronomy 31:8 is a dynamic comfort verse. With Him near us, this otherwise messy life is made beautiful. Honored to be walking the #livefree journey with you!
I’m afraid that I too often fall into the looking for a thumbs up crowd and I’ve been out of high school for a very long time!!! Thanks for the reminder that true validation comes from the Lord! #livefreeThursday
We all want to belong, Cindy, to be loved and accepted. It’s important to come alongside each other with truth of the Lord’s completed work to that end. Blessings.