I sense a theme to this week’s devotionals. I didn’t realize it until I began to type them out.
When I was younger, I really struggled with feeling lonely. It was a spirit covering me in all I did. In a crowd I felt lonely. At home alone, I felt lonely. Loneliness was a constant in my life. I worked hard to be set free from that spirit of loneliness, but when we first moved here to Oklahoma, I felt lonely. I wondered why. I struggled to avoid it.
I became involved in activities to fill the space. Then I realized that loneliness is often not what it seems. At times, it’s us being preoccupied with others.
Yes, you read that right.
When we are constantly feeling like we don’t measure up with anyone else. When we constantly feel left out of activities. When we feel lacking and it becomes a feeling of loneliness, then we might just be suffering from a fear of man.
Today is a good day to evaluate your motivations. Are you truly lonely, or are you just worried about what others think?
Being overly concerned with others is the enemy of living a satisfied life. We all want to live satisfied lives.
God’s thoughts are the only ones that should matter to us. When we are most focused on His heart for us and our family, then we find true contentment. When we break off that fear of man and instead walking in the healthy fear of the Lord, we find freedom. Freedom to be. Freedom to create. Freedom to explore. Freedom to succeed. Freedom to live on God’s terms.
I implore you to consider your motivations in life.
This may feel harsh, but it’s the kindest thing I can do. Ask you to evaluate your why. Why do you do all the things you do?
Are you motivated mostly by what others will think?
I encourage you to be honest with yourself and if you are, then ask God to realign you with His heart. Ask Him to restore your confidence in Him so you can break free from the fear of man. It’s never too late.
Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.” Matthew 12:25
Sovereign Lord, You are God! Your covenant is trustworthy, and You have promised these good things to Your servant. Now be pleased to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue forever in Your sight; for You, Sovereign Lord, have spoken, and with Your blessing the house of Your servant will be blessed forever.” 2 Samuel 7:28-29
365 Days in the Presence 