I try to please others so much that I let what others think of me dominate the thoughts I have of myself. So many times I am kept up at night thinking over past conversations and stretching things way out of proportion. I take words said and I begin asking a ton of "maybe" questions. "Maybe they said that about me? Maybe they think I'm weird? Maybe they think I'm a failure? Maybe they won't like me anymore? Maybe I'm not good enough?" The list goes on and on.
How often I base my opinions and thoughts off overthought assumptions and speculations and I lose track of the truth. I think the worst of words said and multiply my problems, making me depressed and discouraged. This is when I have to take a step back and refocus.
I don't have to please everyone. I don't have to please myself. I don't have to get discouraged when I fail and mess up. I don't have to be defined my my mistakes. I'm not defined by what others think of me. I am not defined by the lies and rumors others spread about me. I only have to please one - God.
As long as I am doing my best and seeking after Him, that's all I can do. Others may not say it's good enough, but God sees my heart. I don't have to control my life or meet up to the expectations that everyone throws at me, because God is my boss. I live for Him and He is the only one that I will have to account to.
If you feel downgraded by your mistakes. Defined by the countless labels others put on you or discouraged about your performance, know that there's only one opinion that matters. God sees your heart. He sees the struggling you're going through. If everyone else doesn't understand, God does. If everyone else picks out all your flaws, God sees. Don't get discouraged. Don't beat yourself up. Find God's love and let that overtake your heart. Let all the stress, pressure and expectations be released when you only focus on following after God and letting Him take control!
On a sidenote, I found this song encouraging that related to this topic. Hope you enjoy it!
There is so much truth to this. Far too often people are worried about what others think about them more than God. I especially like your pointing out that this is the case with mistakes too; as if we can't be forgiven and let go of our shame and guilt before man has forgiven us, even though God already has. My dad always says, when your relationship with God is right, your relationship with everyone else will be right. Thank you for the reminder. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Skyeler for your comment! What a great quote from your dad! Thanks so much for sharing :)
DeleteI always use to say I wasn't a people pleaser, but as time has gone one, I've realized more an more how much I want to be respected, and accepted from my peers. I've let myself hold back a lot in fear others may think what I'm doing is...odd, or not the right way. It's something God has placed on my heart. This life has nothing to do with pleasing others, or even myself, but living for Him.
ReplyDeleteLoved this post, thank you for sharing!
Elizabeth
http://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/
Elizabeth, thanks so much for your comment! So true, this life does have nothing to do with pleasing others, but living for God. What a great reminder! :)
DeleteThis was beautiful and so so true. So many people lose sight of what is really important, and it isn't the amount of friends you have, or how many people look up to you, it's that when they look at you they see your faith.
ReplyDeleteSo much love for this post,
Anne // www.aportraitofyouth.co.uk
p.s YOUR BLOG IS SO CUTE I'M FANGIRLING :P <3 Xx
Thanks so much Anne! You are so sweet! Yeah so true, it's not the amount of friends you have it's your example of faith. Thanks so much for commenting :)
DeleteI really needed this reminder. It's so easy to get caught up in people pleasing that we don't even realize we are doing it. Thanks for the reminder to step back and take a moment to evaluate where my heart is at in this area. Thanks for your posts, they're always so encouraging <3
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Lauren for your comment! Yeah I agree, I do find myself getting caught up in people pleasing that I don't even realize I'm doing it and my motivation. Thanks so much for commenting!
DeleteThis is such a beautiful post! I really needed to hear this. I am so grateful I came across your blog. :) xx
ReplyDeleteThis is such a beautiful post! I really needed to hear this. I am so grateful I came across your blog. :) xx
ReplyDelete