Many people did believe [Jesus], however…they wouldn’t admit it. For they loved human praise more than the praise of God. John 12:42,43

Concern for our image can keep us from enjoying the affirmation that God wants to give us. When we seek accolades from people, we will miss out on God’s praise. Isn’t it wonderful that while we praise God, he in turn desires to affirm us just as a parent desires to praise his child?

Spend time with your Heavenly Father today. Leave your phone in a different room, turn off every distraction, and sit in his presence to hear his voice. He desires to affirm you, his child. Hear and receive the words He spoke to Jesus, “You are my beloved child, and you give me great joy.”

Father,

I close my eyes and ears to every distraction. I draw near to you now. Please forgive me for seeking to please people and to gain their favor and forgetting to seek yours. The praise I receive from people is hollow. I want to hear your words of encouragement deep in my soul today. So speak to me now in the quietness.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.