Daily Delight

I am a people pleaser by nature: I love making people laugh, and I love bringing a smile to those who are down. I love planting secret treasures in places least expected, leaving others to wonder who could have done such a kind gesture.While there is nothing wrong with acts of kindness, there was something wrong with the posture of my heart in the process. You see, I did it for my own affirmation; it was me who made that person happy- not God working through me. I depended on that glory and praise and kept it within me instead of giving it to the one who positioned me. I found my worth in my work.How do I know this? Because if I ever got a negative reaction, or if people were mad or upset with me or something I did, it broke me. Hot tears streamed down my face as I locked myself away in isolation, wounded from the world that dismissed me. The enemy’s accusations of worthlessness and rejection roared in my ears, drowning out the gentle words of my Father. I can’t tell you how many times I found myself here.

“Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety." -Proverbs 29:25 (NLT)

We can easily find ourselves trying so hard to please others, and find our own worth in this world, that we don’t realize we’ve been trapped by the enemy himself. We keep trying and trying, but we will never achieve our worth through each other. Why? Because we are all human. The love and affirmation we receive from each other is beautiful and an extension of God, but the love and affirmation that quenches our thirst can only come from the Lord-- and in His love, we are safe from the schemes of the enemy. In Him, we will find our true worth. We are daughters of a King, loved for whose we are, not what we do. And that love will never ever change.

So today, as we clothe ourselves in compassion and kindness, let us also remember to put on humility, for our actions are inspired by God, to bring glory to God, our Father, who loves us so.

About the Author

Jennifer Tanaka

Jenn is currently enjoying navigating the path as a mom of three with her husband of fifteen years. Born and raised in Honolulu, HI, she still resides in her home state, discovering and sharing the beauty of her Heavenly Father through writing and photography.

In the last two years, Jenn has been following her calling to write for women who, like her, are yearning to draw closer to Jesus. Leaving her full-time position in education, she now enjoys spending more time with her family and serving the women in her local and online communities.