– Scripture:

                Don’t Rely on People

I’m glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess—happy that you’re again showing such strong concern for me. Not that you ever quit praying and thinking about me. You just had no chance to show it. Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. I don’t mean that your help didn’t mean a lot to me—it did. It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles.

                        Philippians 4:10–14 MSG

Key Verse – I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little.

 – Reflection:

It’s good when people encourage us and cheer us on, but what I’m saying is not to become dependent on that. If someone’s not giving you what you expect, if they’re not praising you, that’s okay. You can validate yourself. You can approve yourself. You are self-sufficient in Christ’s eyes. You can feel good about who you are, knowing that God handpicked you, created you in His image, and planted greatness inside.

Where do we go from here?

What am I saying? You don’t need somebody else’s praise. You don’t have to have people applaud. You have the applause from the One who matters most, from God who spoke worlds into existence. I’d rather have His applause than any person’s applause. But you may say, “Well, if I could convince this person to like me, he knows a lot of people, and maybe he could open some new doors for me.” Promotion doesn’t come from people. It comes from the Lord. God knows where all the opportunities are. He can make things happen for you without you having to convince someone to like you. You don’t have to play up to people to try to win their favor. If they don’t want to be your friend, it’s their loss, not yours. Do yourself a favor and keep moving forward. They’re not a part of your destiny. God has divine connections for you people. He’s already lined up. They’re already in your future.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, Thank You for creating all of us and placing seeds of greatness in us. I know that You live in us all, and we can hold our heads up and be confident, understanding that Your approval is all that matters. Help us not to depend on the praise and validation of others. We need to remind ourselves that we are enough in Your site. We can feel good about who we are because You handpicked us and created us in Your image. That is what truly matters. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.