Why Do We Have This Built-In Need for Approval?
Isn’t it funny how we try to win the approval of everyone we meet or talk to? We want to feel accepted, respected, loved, admired, and adored. We put so much effort into making it appear that we have it together and know what we are doing or talking about. Where does that come from?
Why do we have this built-in need for approval?
My favorite verse in the entire Bible is Isaiah 41:9-10, specifically the New Living Translation;
I have called you back from the ends of the earth, saying, ‘You are my servant.’ For I have chosen you and will not throw you away. Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. - Isaiah 41:9-10
The way verse 9 starts, I love… “I have called you back from the ends of the earth.” Every time I read it, this reminds me that no matter how far I drift away from the Lord, he is always there, calling me back to him. And not only is he calling me, but he is calling me a servant, someone he wants and trusts in his household to carry out his precious work.The verse goes on to say, “For I have chosen you and will not throw you away.” This is probably my favorite part that God chose me, and he will always choose me no matter what.
God didn’t make a mistake by creating me; He didn’t make a mistake in loving me. He made me perfectly!
Related Content: We Already Have the Approval of the One Who Matters
The enemy certainly tries to scare us in any way he can. Verse 10 reminds me that no matter what trial I face, I have nothing to be afraid of because I literally have God within me and all around me. Because of that, God will “strengthen me and help me.”If all the above falls into line, then the last line of verse 10 will fall right into place, “I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
There is a reason we have this built-in need for approval; it was put there by God himself.
I believe he puts it there as another way for us to be aware of His love for us and how he is continuously calling us into his presences to tell us of his approval. God is absolutely crazy about you and me, and all he wants is a relationship together. The easiest and most effective way to do this is to talk to God throughout your day. Look at him as your best friend that you can tell anything and everything. Trust him and lean into him (Proverbs 3:5-6), and he will fill you with his approval.