A Prayer When You Worry About What People Think
By Betsy de Cruz
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.” – Psalm 34:4-5
I felt jittery, butterflies in my stomach, in the days leading up to my daughter’s wedding. Would the ceremony we planned go smoothly? Would the food I ordered for the reception be good? Would I be able to style her hair like she wanted? What if my dress was too flashy for a mother of the bride?
Do you sense a theme here? I was worried about how people would see ME. And it wasn’t even my wedding, for heaven’s sake! (No one is looking at the mother-of-the-bride during a wedding.)
When I realized my daughter had similar feelings, I started to pray. The Lord reminded me the most important thing we could to do prepare for the big day was to look to Him. People wouldn’t remember a perfect ceremony or perfect hair, but they would remember genuine smiles and kind words that reflected Jesus.
I suspect I’m not the only one who worries about what others think. You may be worried about how your mother, your boss, or even your child’s teacher views you. Maybe you’re facing a challenge and feel worried others might judge the way you’re handling it. Maybe someone already made a comment to let you know they think you are too much or not enough.
Today’s passage has encouragement for you.
If you’re facing challenges that make you worry about how others view you, may I encourage you to turn your eyes to Jesus? He will make you radiant as others see more of Him in you.
What if we make it our job to seek the Lord and look to Him, instead of spending our emotional and physical energy trying to please others?
When we turn our eyes towards Jesus, rely on Jesus, and trust in Jesus, He transforms us. When we turn our focus to Jesus on a daily basis, others will see a tiny bit more of Him in us.
Join me in prayer?
Lord, I spend so much energy trying to please others when you are the one I want to please. Forgive me for letting the fear of man keep me from a whole-hearted focus on you.
You know my fears. I lift them up to you now and trust that you will deliver me. Father, give me the peace that passes all understanding as I turn my focus to you today. Help me to keep my eyes on you and you alone. Give me discernment to follow your guidance today in each challenge that I face.
Lord, instead of making other people the center of my life, I want to make you the center. I need your grace to keep my gaze fixed on you. Lord, as I look to you, make me radiant with your presence. Fill me with your spirit, so others can see a reflection of Jesus in me when I speak or smile. Not so that they’ll think I’m a good person, but so they’ll see you are a good God. Bring glory to yourself through me.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
