Approval

Well, I thought I had it down. I thought I didn't care what people thought. I thought God's opinion was all that mattered to me. And then I go out. I've gone out a lot lately, specifically to the doctor. Keller's been struggling with congestion and reflux...being that he's only going on 7 wks old means it's no light matter. I've taken all three with me 2 of the 3 visits in the last week and a half.

And there's always someone. Someone who rolls their eyes. Someone who shakes their head. Usually there are several who make the comment, "You have your hands full!" with eyes wide and a cross between pity-filled and shock on their face as they count and identify ages. It makes me sad. It deflates my bubble of happiness. It shouldn't. But their looks, stares, and comments take away my joy. The joy that comes from knowing that it was God who gave me these little ones. They must not know how rich I feel. They must not know how much - in all honesty - their reactions hurt me.

My dad always taught me not to care what anyone thought of me. Study the Bible. Know it. Search for the truth. You can walk with confidence because you have searched and you have found. Don't waste time looking at other people - making comparisons or judgments. Worry about yourself. You alone will be standing before God one day at the judgment seat of Christ. Be always ready to give an answer, based upon God's Word, not what you think or feel. I can still hear his words ringing in my ears. =)

How I appreciate my dad teaching me that the Bible says,

I Corinthians 10:12 -- "For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."

I Peter 3:15 -- "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:"

I Corinthians 4:5 -- "Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God."

How I need to bathe myself in verses like these on days like today. In fact, I think I'm going to print these off right now and hang them up on the mirror in my bathroom so I can try to memorize them.

I must be satisfied with seeking God's approval alone + nothing. Lord, please help me. I know I can't do it alone.