I don’t want to be last . . . at anything. I fight the desire and temptation to be seen and noticed—whether that’s by my husband, or friends, or strangers on social media. Doing things my way and doing them well: I thrive off that! Recognition and affirmation for my accomplishments are stumbling blocks to peace, something you may have experienced, sister.
Psalm 119:165 reminds us, “Lovers of your law have much peace, for them there is no stumbling block.”
And yet I realize that in my desires to be seen and noticed, to be recognized and affirmed, I quickly come undone if I try only to seek these things from the world. I become the woman that longs to be first for no other reason than to say that I was first. I become the woman that longs to be seen for no other reason than to feel a sense of belonging. I become all about me and less about Him and how He guides us, His children.
When I step back and sit quietly in His presence, I am undone still. I am undone because of how He sees me: beautiful, beloved, and worthy. I am undone because of His great love and affection for me. I am undone because He offers me supreme peace.
For all of us, sisters, when we put His love for us first, the longings of our hearts to be seen, noticed, recognized and affirmed are satisfied. We are no longer tempted to pursue recognition or affirmation from the world, and can look beyond it. Let us focus our gaze on Him and rest joyfully knowing that while we sometimes feel we are not enough, He always is.
For all of us, sisters, when we put His love for us first, the longings of our hearts to be seen, noticed, recognized and affirmed are satisfied. Click To TweetIf you’re wondering how to pray a novena, start here.
Shalini Blubaugh is a Minnesota transplant living in Denver, Colorado with her sweet husband, Matt, their brand new gal pal, Callan, and quite large GSD pup, Sully. She is a health coach and loves pizza, because #balance. Shalini graduated from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, served with NET Ministries, and went on to attend Law School. She graduated with her J.D. and happily leaves all things Law behind! Some of her favorites include travel, re-connecting with old friends and making new ones, the ways in which God so beautifully brings all things full circle in His time, and a good, loud thunderstorm. Find out more about her here.
I needed to hear this! Yesterday, I found myself getting caught up in trying to impress others and meet their expectations, instead of simply being God’s beloved. Thanks for sharing and for the reminder to rest “undone: in him. Much love from France.
This is devotion spoke straight to my heart! I too long for human affirmations and belonging. Thank you, Shalini, for reminding me that when I rest in the love of God, I don’t need any one else’s affirmation because His love is more than enough. Thank you again for sharing your heart and allowing me to share mine…God bless and keep you!
This is perfect for so many of us…especially women. Thanks and blessings, Shalini!
I also needed to hear this as I do things to make others see me and love me when perhaps that’s the furthest thing from their minds. Sometimes I can be so needy & this is a good reminder for me to remember whose love I really need and is above all other love. Thank you Shalini.
God’s blessings on you and yours,…
My heart really needed this today. Thank you!