Pleasing the Lord

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord."
Ephesians 5:8-10 (NIV)

Have you ever seen someone stumbling across the desert in an old movie, so thirsty they can barely stand, and up ahead they spot water? 

They take off running for it with everything they've got. But it's not water. It's a mirage, and no matter how far they run, it just keeps moving further away.

That is what it looks like to chase everyone else's approval. Some people live for what others think of them. Others chase whatever makes them happy instead. Both roads lead to the same mirage, because both will keep you thirsty.

Paul offers us a different way: "You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light and find out what pleases the Lord." Ephesians 5:8-10 (NIV) Not what pleases your boss or your desires, but what pleases God.

Only God never asks you to perform for His love. He never sends you chasing something that keeps moving. He already looks past your appearance and your achievements, straight to your heart, and in Christ, He is satisfied with what He finds there.

Before you say yes to one more thing out of fear of disappointing someone this week, wait and ask the Lord. "God, is this what pleases You, or am I chasing someone's approval?" Let that question be the deciding factor for your calendar, not someone else’s opinion.

The mirage was never real water. His approval already is.

Prayer: Father, I've spent too long chasing a mirage, chasing others’ approval. Show me what actually pleases You today. I want to stop running and start resting in what You already see in my heart. In Jesus' Name, Amen.