Finding Confidence and Acceptance in God's Approval
Today, I want to discuss something foundational that we often forget or fail to remind ourselves of. It's something that can transform our lives, regardless of where we stand in our faith journey. So, stay tuned because this episode is about to rock your world.
The True Nature of Confidence:
Let's start with the concept of confidence. I firmly believe that true confidence is not rooted in pride; instead, it's rooted in our agreement with God. Confidence isn't just about being skilled or experienced; it's about an internal assurance that we are loved, accepted, and enough. In our world, society often tells us that self-acceptance can be achieved through self-improvement, affirmations, and eliminating perceived flaws. It puts the burden on us to make ourselves feel better.
Human Need for Acceptance:
As humans, we naturally crave acceptance from others. We want to know that we are liked, approved of, and won't be abandoned. In this pursuit, there are two types of people: those who genuinely believe they are accepted and those who constantly wonder if they measure up. The latter group can fall into the trap of self-shaming and guilt, believing they must eliminate these feelings to attain self-acceptance.
The Spiritual Reality:
But let's dig deeper. We are all created with a knowledge of right and wrong, a conscience that reveals our mistakes and inadequacies. We're aware that we don't always measure up, even though the standards are often unclear. Confidence can become a daily battle as we compare ourselves to others, fluctuating between feeling superior and inferior depending on the context.
Why the Usual Approaches Don't Work:
The prevalent approach in modern self-help literature tells us that to feel accepted, we must shed society's imposed shame and guilt. This approach, though well-intentioned, has its limitations. In a world where everyone demands acceptance from others, despite the efforts to eliminate shame and guilt, many still struggle with feelings of inadequacy.
Christian Women and Insecurity:
This struggle isn't unique to the secular world. Even among Christian women, feelings of insecurity and insufficiency can persist. We grapple with the inner voice that tells us we're not good enough, that we can't overcome certain sins, or that we can't change our circumstances. We recognize that we fall short, even in the pursuit of our own desires for goodness and righteousness.
Three Paths in Response:
At this point, we have three choices. The first is to give up, surrender to the belief that we'll never be good enough. This path leads to cynicism, rebellion, self-hatred, and sometimes even depression. It's an attempt to avoid facing our inadequacies.
The second path involves striving harder. Many Christian women tend to follow this route. They aim for perfection, earning approval through their efforts to be better, kinder, or more helpful. It can manifest as both a pretty facade and, at its core, pride – the desire to be better than others.
The third and most liberating path is surrender. It involves accepting the profound truth that we are not enough on our own. The Bible reminds us in Romans 3:23 that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." It echoes throughout Scripture that our human nature is inherently flawed. Ecclesiastes 7:20 reaffirms this by stating, "Surely there is no one on earth who does good and never sins."
Accepting the Reality:
After acknowledging this truth, we face a choice: either accept it or resist it. Some people, including believers, find it challenging to admit that they are not good enough. This resistance is, at its core, pride – the desire to surpass God's assessment of our worth.
The Role of Faith:
You may wonder how this shift happens. It's not something tangible or scientific; it's an act of faith. When we humble ourselves before God and admit that we are not enough, something inside us changes. It's a spiritual transformation. The Holy Spirit comes alongside us, and we feel God's approval. It may sound unbelievable, but it's called faith for a reason.
Has Anything Else Worked?
Consider this: have all your own efforts, achievements, and external validations fixed your inner insecurities, self-doubt, or haunting inner voices? Likely not. The root of the issue lies not in striving for external approval but in knowing that you are right with God.
Divine Approval:
Romans 3:22 tells us, "This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." Righteousness here doesn't just mean perfection; it signifies God's judicial approval, His divine acceptance. You don't have to become perfect or earn it. Through faith in Christ, you access the divine approval that He earned through His perfect life.
How to Get There:
You might be wondering how to reach this state of divine approval and confidence in God. The answer is within your reach:
1. Lay Down Your Pride: Stop striving to be better than everyone else. Pride is often the biggest obstacle to accepting God's approval. Humble yourself daily.
2. Lay Down Your Fear: Don't be afraid to embrace the fact that God loves you. His love is unwavering, even when you mess up repeatedly. He already knows your imperfections.
3. Deal with Unbelief: If you struggle to believe these truths, pray for help with your unbelief. Ask God to convict you and strengthen your faith.
Conclusion:
In closing, I want you to remember that God's approval of you is not based on your perfection or the world's acceptance. It's rooted in your faith in Jesus Christ. When you humbly surrender to this truth, you'll experience a divine transformation. You'll gain unwavering confidence, knowing that God approves of you, and nothing else can shake that assurance.
Let's pray together and ask for God's guidance on our journey to living confidently in His approval. Share this message with friends who need to hear it, and please provide feedback to help me continue delivering content that blesses and encourages you. Remember, you are approved by God, and with that assurance, you can change the world for His glory.