The Disappointments of People Pleasing

Are you carrying frustration, worry or aggravation about something? That’s usually a clear sign that your hope is in the wrong place. If you hope in people, it will deplete you of joy and peace. But when you put your hope in God, that’s when you’ll begin to see things turn around in your life. The bible says that those who hope in God will not be disappointed. Sure, there may be temporary disappointments but we will never be permanently disappointed. We have God’s promise that He will cause ALL things to work out for our good.

Many people live life worried because they’re so concerned about what other people think of them, and that’s mostly why they end up disappointed. Because our hope should be placed in God, not people. When we come to the end of life we’re not going to stand before people to give an account of our lives, we’re going to stand before God. He’s not going to say, “Why didn’t you do what so-and-so said to do? Why didn’t you try harder to please people?“ No, He is going to ask, “Did you become who I created you to be? Did you stay true to what I put in your heart?”

The bible tells that this is where Saul missed it. God had great things in his future but Saul was too insecure. He said in 1 Samuel 15:24, “I disobeyed the Lord’s instructions because I was afraid of the people so I did what they asked.” Notice that Saul knew what to do – he even admitted it, “I disobeyed God’s instructions.” Why? He was a people pleaser. He forfeited his amazing destiny in order to please people. Friend, don’t let that be you! Be a God pleaser instead, because pleasing God is all that matters if you want your life to be peaceful and truly fulfilling.

Today, I want to encourage you to choose to put your hope in God. Surrender to Him every frustration, every aggravation, every difficulty. Release total control into His loving hands. Ask Him to speak to your heart and give you His peace. Trust your heavenly Parent because He is faithful. Ask Him to help you break away from the trap of people pleasing and to stand strong against criticism. Make this your daily prayer and I assure you that you will find God is abundantly good, and that He has amazing things in store for you!