August 8 – Trusting God’s Approval
If you seek glory from men, you have received your reward already; but if you seek the glory that comes from God, your soul will find peace. John Chrysostom
Gregg’s Reflection
I’ve learned that the voices around me can be loud, but the still small voice of God carries the truth. When I place my value in what others say, it feels fleeting — the praise fades, and I’m left striving again. But when I turn my attention to God, I find a peace that isn’t conditional on performance.
It is not easy to shift this focus. The need for affirmation has deep roots in childhood and culture. Yet slowly, with prayer and practice, we can learn to breathe deeply in the presence of God’s love. That is where approval is not earned, but given freely.
Trusting God’s approval allows us to stand firm even when others misunderstand or criticize. It helps us say yes when the Spirit leads, and no when boundaries are needed. This freedom is not arrogance — it is humility, because it is rooted in who God says we are.
Scripture
How can you believe when you accept glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
John 5:44
We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.
1 Thessalonians 2:4
Ancient Quotes
Fix your heart on God, who sees what is within. Do not seek to please men by outward show, but please Him who knows you. For by seeking human praise you will be emptied of divine reward.
Augustine, Sermon on the Mount, Book II, Ch. 2
If you seek glory from men, you have received your reward already; but if you seek the glory that comes from God, your soul will find peace.
John Chrysostom, Homily 19 on Matthew
Modern Quotes
When we look to others for approval, we become mirrors reflecting mirrors — no true image, only echo.
Thomas Merton, New Seeds of Contemplation, p. 33
Are you defined by people’s response to you? If you are, then you’ve laid down a sandy foundation for your life. You’ll find your moods swinging up and down wildly, depending on what everybody thinks… As Saint Francis put it, ‘we are who we are in the eyes of God, nothing more and nothing less.’
Richard Rohr, On the Threshold of Transformation, p. 101
Journaling Prompts
- When do I notice myself chasing approval from others?
- How does God’s unconditional love invite me to rest today?
- What spiritual practices help me shift my focus from human praise to divine approval?
- How might trusting God’s gaze give me courage to speak truth or set boundaries?
Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 32 Reflection: People-Pleasing