God’s Approval

Isaiah 51:12-13

¹² “I, even I, am he who comforts you.
   Who are you that you fear mere mortals,
   human beings who are but grass,
¹³ that you forget the LORD your Maker,
   who stretches out the heavens
   and who lays the foundations of the earth,
that you live in constant terror every day
   because of the wrath of the oppressor,
   who is bent on destruction?
For where is the wrath of the oppressor?

God is God.  He comforts, He made the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth. 

He’s asking “who are we that we fear mere morals, human beings who are but grass…?”

Perhaps, God is showing the Israelites (and us believers in the New Testament) that we ought not to fear mere mortals – human beings who are not even as close to the God of heavens.  We sometimes end up just wanting to please people with our performance, or being wanted by people, or desiring people instead of desiring GOD – Who is our comfort and the all-powerful God.

With this, we must realize that life is about living for the Lord – in and out of our naked sight.  We must not look for approval from people nor for their pleasure but rather, ultimately, for God.  Yes, there’s nothing wrong with pleasing people or when people approve us for what we do and what they see in us… but let it be that our motivation is ALWAYS because we performing ultimately for our Father in Heaven Who sees ALL things under heaven & earth.

// I do sometimes seek for that approval from people; it motivates me when people are happy with my performance or when they give a “good job” comment to what I do.  However, it must not be to an extent that that’s what I’m striving for alone.  Rather, let it be because of God alone.

// Lord, let my heart be in tune with You always that though my pleasing You will cause other people to approve what I do, but help me that it will only because my heart is set on you alone. I pray that you will help me to focus on what pleases you always and let those who approve and appreciate praise You for You are the source of all my motivation. I love you Jesus. In Your name, amen.