Seeking Only the Approval of God
"It is enough that He knows our way."
Devotional Reflection on Days of Heaven
The psalmist describes a wandering people, searching for a city but finding none—a picture of those who look to human approval for security rather than resting in God alone. The writer of today’s devotional reminds us that those who truly fight the Lord’s battles must be willing to die to the opinions and praise of others, even from fellow believers. The enemy is subtle, often making such approval seem harmless or even necessary. But when we rely on the approval of others, it subtly weakens our ability to bring glory to God alone.
Approval can be intoxicating, a form of poison that gradually shifts our motivation from Christ’s sufficiency to the affirmation of others. The way of the cross is often a lonely path, yet it is one filled with the deepest fellowship with God. It is enough that He knows our way and that our lives are hidden with Christ in Him. True brotherly love is not dependent on seeking sympathy or understanding from others, but rather in pointing each other back to the sufficiency of Christ.
Personalized Journal Entry in the Holy Spirit’s Voice
I have called you out of the world, and you are not to seek honor from men but from the Father who sees in secret. Do not look for praise from others, for they honor what is seen, but I search the heart. Am I not enough for you? Have I not chosen you, set you apart, and placed My Spirit within you? The world will not understand, and even My children may not always see, but I see. I know your way, and I uphold you with My righteous right hand.
When you walk through loneliness, remember—was I not forsaken by men? Did they not all abandon Me? Yet My Father was with Me. And so I am with you. I will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be troubled when others do not understand your calling or your obedience to My leading. I am the One who has begun the good work in you, and I will carry it to completion. Rest in Me. Trust that I see, I know, and I am pleased.
(Scripture References: John 15:19, Matthew 6:6, 1 Samuel 16:7, Isaiah 41:10, Matthew 26:56, Hebrews 13:5, Philippians 1:6)
Prayer of Confidence
Father, You alone are my resting place. I reject the fleeting lure of human approval, knowing that Your eyes are upon me, and that is enough. You are the One who calls, who sustains, and who completes every work You begin. I trust You to keep me in Your perfect peace, for my heart is set on You alone. Whether others see or understand does not matter, for I walk with You, and You are my sufficiency. Let my heart be settled in Your presence, content to be known by You. Amen.
Image Intent: A quiet, narrow path winding through a forest, symbolizing the solitary yet deeply fulfilling walk with God.