People Pleasing

Happy Summer! There is so much to say about the end of the year and other things, but for now…

Recently, I was asked about my weaknesses and this one came to mind. Through a series of prompts, I got ChatGPT to write me this devo of sorts about people pleasing. I thought it was very well said and so I wanted to share. 

May 31

Pleasing God, Not People

“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” — Galatians 1:10

We often went out of our way to serve and care for others, not out of genuine love, but from a deep longing to be accepted, praised, and affirmed. But did they ever agree to carry that burden for us? Only God is capable of fully meeting our needs. Expecting others to fill that role leaves us empty and frustrated.

In Christ, we learn that our identity, confidence, and sense of worth must come from Him—not from the praise of people. “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe” (Proverbs 29:25). When we strive to be “nice” to earn love, we often end up feeling anxious, resentful, and bitter.

As the Holy Spirit teaches us to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and walk in freedom (Galatians 5:1), we begin to release our people-pleasing tendencies. We fix our eyes on Jesus, allowing Him to renew our hearts and transform our thinking (Romans 12:2). Through His healing presence, we experience the peace and joy that only He can give—one day at a time.

Depending on Christ as our source of strength makes us spiritually resilient. As we stop relying on others to give us worth, our confidence grows—not in ourselves, but in who we are in Him. “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6)

Prayer for Today:

Lord, help me be aware of when I fall back into the trap of trying to earn love through people-pleasing. Teach me to seek Your approval above all else. Fill me with Your love so I can give to others from a full heart—not from neediness or fear. Help me rest in who You say I am.

LATELY

It is Finished

Blooming Gratitude

This week, I’m working a few extra days, and today, I just so happened to be at school on a Monday—a rare treat! Even better, it’s Teacher Appreciation Week. A lovely woman was there, carefully arranging beautiful bouquets for the teachers. Watching her put each arrangement together made me appreciate the simple joy of creating something beautiful—just like the joy I find whenever I get to spend time with my precious little ones.

The Main Event

Spring Break Hot Springs w Ann & Lala

so much beauty

 

This quote captures something deeply true about the human experience—our struggles often birth something beautiful. As believers, we know that God works through our suffering to create something greater than we could imagine. Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Pain, loss, and hardship can feel overwhelming, but they are never wasted in God’s hands. He is the ultimate Artist, weaving together even our brokenness into something beautiful. Think of the cross—what looked like defeat became the greatest victory. Jesus’ suffering brought redemption, proving that even the darkest moments can lead to the most radiant glory.

Isaiah 61:3 speaks of how God gives us “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” If we let Him, He transforms our wounds into something radiant. Our role is to allow God to refine and restore us so that we live from a place of wholeness, hope, and redemption.

Instead of dwelling in our pain, we are called to surrender it to Christ, trusting that He will bring beauty from it in His perfect time. In season of struggle or a season of joy, we can rest in the truth that God is at work—shaping us, growing us, and ultimately this is the beauty.