February 20, Tuesday ~ Giving Up People Pleasing

DAY 6: Giving Up People Pleasing

Scripture Links:

• 2 Timothy 4:1-8

• Isaiah 8:8-13

• Luke 13:31-35

You may or may not relate to the people-pleasing fast that we are asked to do today. I am struggling with it, so bear with me as I take a slightly different approach than Ressler.

My undergraduate degree is in Laboratory Medicine. Being a female scientist in a male-dominated career field meant I had no room or time to become a people-pleaser. If I wanted my work and myself to be taken seriously, I had to stick to the facts, “Just the facts, ma’am.” It didn’t help that I came from a family of strong, independent females who inoculated me very early against people-pleasing. But I have been with people who have suffered the devasting effects of trying to please too many people too much of the time, and it is heartbreaking to watch their spirits get crushed.

Psychology Today tells us that “A people-pleaser…does not have high self-regard. They need to tend to the needs of others, thinking this will fulfill their own emotional needs. In addition, they spend time worrying about what others think about them; they are not pleasing others out of love or benevolence; they are doing so out of fear.”

Now, that is something I can relate to, doing something out of fear or even not doing something out of fear. Either way, fear is the controlling and deciding factor here. Isaiah 41:13 says, “For I am the Lord you God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” (NIV) That is a verse to hold onto when you need to say “no” to people-pleasing. What is the opposite of fear…love! 1 John 4:18 reminds us that “there is no fear in love; that perfect love casts out fear.” The only perfect love I know is God’s love, not mine. Push aside people-pleasing and embrace God’s perfect love for you through Christ Jesus.

Here is a link to a beloved song of mine that I sing when I need to be anchored in Jesus and not the world. I hope it blesses you. https://beckenhorstpress.com/give-me-jesus-manor

If at any point during this time of devotion, you feel overwhelmed or would just like to pursue a particular line of thinking, feel free to contact Pastor Matt at pastormattbridges@gmail.com or me at wendy@encompassthespirit.com