The Gospel of John, chapter 7, verses 37-38
Frequently, I thirst for approval. It’s a human desire and a human need. God promises to fulfill this thirst, and he does so when I turn to him. Sadly, he’s not always the first one I look to.
In her book, Free of Me: Why Life is Better When It’s Not about You, Sharon Hodde Miller describes seven mirrors we commonly look into in our search for approval. As I read her book this week, God gave me insights which I recorded in the following poem.
Sometimes I seek approval From family or friends; My vision is distorted When looking through that lens. I lose sight of Jesus. My love for him grows dim In his grace and goodness, He calls me back to him. I focus on forgiveness Instead of on my sin; I regain hope and courage And, in strength, rise again. I rise again to worship My Savior and my God; Then, gratefully, I work For his accepting nod— I know I have acceptance. Approval’s something more. It takes my faithful effort; Obedience is its core. Obedience flows from love— Love that I’ve been given. Oh what joy it is to be A friend of God in heaven! That friendship costs me everything It must be my one desire. I cannot cling to other loves And retain the Spirit’s fire. An all-consuming love for Christ Transforms my soul and spirit So that from sources outside of him I no longer search for merit. Jane Ault 7/18/19