The Applause

Encouragement, reassurance and support are all good for the soul. They spur us on, especially in times of discouragement and negative self talk. However I’ve learned to be wary of how addicted I am to the applause of others. Their applause may stop and when it does – we can start to question who we are. Worst, we sense a shift in where we get our validation. Lesson learned : ‘Be more concerned with God’s approval and applause than man’s’. The best of us are fickle. Our emotions are tools we often use to measure our regard for others. Sadly, too many times we gaze at others from our own place of pain, disappointment or mistrust. Our applause can be here today and gone tomorrow.

We can always trust that what God says about us is from a place of love. His nod of approval matters more than all else. As I caution myself, I encourage you to embrace the esteem of others – thank them and be gracious. Most people are coming from a place of true admiration and appreciation. However, our worth should not be found in people’s pat on the shoulder. Know that you are valued and prized by the One who thought you were worth dying for. Then He actually did it! A debt you and I can never repay. Loved, seen and heard – you matter to Him. When the dust settles – we give time, attention, and energy to what God says about us. Hold the applause of others lightly, just in case it takes wings and fly away.

“Don’t gotta be somebody when I’m already somebody to You
Got nothing to prove anymore, so there’s nothing to lose anymore
You’re gonna keep on loving me for more than just the things that I do
I’ll sing it till there’s no doubt, nobody can count me out
‘Cause I’m already somebody to You”

@Rachel Lampa- ‘Somebody to You’