Get your approval from God 

‘Our eyes look to the LORD our God.’ Psalm 123:2 NKJV 

It’s always nice to be appreciated for the work you do, and when that doesn’t happen, it can affect your sense of self-worth. That’s why the Bible says, ‘As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters...our eyes look to the LORD our God.’ Your true worth comes from God, not your boss. And when you forget that, you set yourself up for frustration in the workplace. Taken to the extreme, you become less effective on the job because you’re not willing to make decisions and take risks in case it negatively affects what others think about you. In essence, you become a ‘yes’ man or woman who nods and agrees with everyone just to please them and have them like you. Consequently, your value to the company plummets because you’re not utilising your God-given gifts to the fullest. Whatever your position, it’s only a small part of who you are, a spoke radiating from the centre of your identity as a son or daughter of the King of kings. You’re not the hub turning the wheel. Knowing who you are, apart from what you do, is as essential to your success in the workplace as your credentials and your skill set. When others know that you constantly need approval, it empowers them to manipulate you, define you, and influence your self-worth. That’s too much power to give anybody! It doesn’t matter what your job entails, remember: ‘Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God’ (1 Corinthians 10:31 NLT). 

Prayer Point:

Lord, I realise that I seek approval from others around me instead of finding my approval from You. Thank You, Lord, that You value and love me. Help me to be a true servant of You and Your Kingdom. Help me, Lord, to do everything for Your glory rather than for human approval. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Acknowledgements: Jakes, T.D., The T.D. Jakes Relationship Bible (New York: Atria, 2011), 1354.