4:123 – Looking for Affirmation?

#faithbites #faithjourney affirmation

Setting

Over the weekend, I gave a present to a friend that I made. After I gave it, I wondered if she liked it or if it was good enough. Today was a bit emotional at work and I wondered if I handled a situation correctly. Heck, even with doing chores around the house, I wonder if I’m doing it right. In a nutshell, I seek affirmation.

Some may call it weakness but all through my life I’m searching for affirmation that I’m good enough, strong enough, deserving enough, or whatever. Part of this is my anxiety fooling me, but part of it is just me. My closest friend sknow this about me and help me out. I just wish I didn’t need that external affirmation and was strong enough. (Whatever that means)

Today’s Questions: When you seek Affirmation, where do you turn? How does God affirm your identity and your worth?

Scripture

• 1 Peter 2:9 – But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
• Psalm 139:14 – I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
• 1 John 3:1 – See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

Reflection

One of the five love languages is words of affirmation. We all want to feel loved and appreciated. Some, like me, just need it verbally stated more often than others. I once had this conversation with my boss. I told her that I didn’t feel appreciated in what I do. She then listed ways she appreciated me by her actions but it wasn’t in the way I would understand it as affirmation.

God clearly tells us that we are a chosen people. That he loves us, chose is out of the darkness, and calls is children. That is an awesome statement. We are given the honor of showing God’s glory in all we do. Part of that is acknolwing the goodness that others do.

As we close, rember that you are enough, loved, and chosen. God affirms your identity in him and give us the ability and honor of helping affirm others through Christ.

Prayer

Father God, thank you for reminding us you chose us and love us. We often forget that an dlook for affirmation in the world. Help us turn to you for that love and attention..

Lord, we also pray that you will help us affirm others in the faith, praise them for their good work, and always point them to you. We pray this in your name, Amen.