TRUSTING GOD IS OUR SAFE PLACE
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.
Proverbs 29:25 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
We live in a society that is increasingly caught up in trying to please others. Social media has created an impossible image of beauty and success that traps many people into thinking they don’t measure up. It is impossible to match the filtered photos and fake smiles of those claiming to have the perfect life.
Trying to impress people is a “dangerous trap.” The mental picture of this phrase is of the kind of trap that gets tighter the more you try to pull away.
One author said, “Security in the Lord removes intimidation by man.” (Bible Knowledge Commentary) I really like that thought. When we decide that pleasing God is our number one priority, then we begin to free ourselves from the trap of people pleasing.
I know a lot about people pleasing. For many years I struggled with living my life concerned about what others thought. I tried to work harder, dress better, and improve in every area so that people would think I had value.
Being aware of my failures and shortcomings left me afraid to let people get to close. I was afraid if they saw the real me, they would run away. Hiding my flaws became very exhausting.
I do believe we should strive to be the best we can be. But I don’t believe we should live in bondage to the opinions of others. Even God can’t please everybody.
Right now, there are people praying for God to help their team win a football game—someone is going to be disappointed in God’s lack of help. Some people want rain, others want sunshine. God can’t make everybody happy.
If God can’t please everyone why do I think I can please everyone. When I started in the ministry I thought if I loved God and loved people everyone would love me. But that just isn’t true. Good people will not like the way I do things. For some I preach too long—for others too short (although that is probably a very small group).
You will never be able to please everyone. Choose to please God! He has chosen you and created you. He loves you—always!
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit please remind me today of Your love for me. Help me today to live to please You as my top priority.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”
I fall into the preach too short category. Through your sermons I have taken away so many helpful nuggets through the years.