How does God validate you? With the love and sacrifice of His son. My head believes this but, does my heart and behavior reflect that?
Everything a man does is a search for validation
The question is not “if” a man is seeking validation. The question is “where is he seeking validation from?”
To validate something is to “give official sanction, confirmation, or approval to it.” What makes you feel like you have value and worth? We are designed to want validation, the feeling of significance. The problem is that we try to get validation from what we think we can control or mange. We avoid mystery and things we can’t control. We seek validation from people, work, friends, accomplishments or our spouse. They become the barometer of our feelings and worth. The treadmill of acceptance can wear us out. Always trying to please people or control situations. The solution is that we kill our heart or hyper control our world. We stop believing that we have value or significance in the world. This will kill your heart, “the wellspring of life” – Proverbs 4:23. Or we control the people in our world by killing them with kindness or managing everything by ourselves. This will flat wear you out.
The problem is we keep God at arms length and try appease Him with church attendance and trying to be nice. God’s love and acceptance is the key to value and significance. The journey of believing brings freedom and renewed energy. How does God validate you?
- He made you in his image and delights in you. – Genesis 1:27 ; Zephaniah 3:17
- He stubbornly loves you even when you are unlovable. – John 3:16
- God is for you not against you. – Romans 8:31
- His plans for you are good. – Jeremiah 29:11
- He has given you unique gifts, talents, and strengths. – Romans 12:6
This is validation. God really does love you and is crazy about you. You really are the apple of His eye. – Psalms 17:8.
What do you do with this information. These passages feel warm and overwhelming, but how do I own them? How do I begin to believe them in a way that it changes my behavior? Look up the seven scriptures print them or write them out. Put them on the refrigerator or bathroom mirror. Put them in your pocket, purse, in your car or in your office. Meditate on them by reading them quietly in your heart and prayers. Let thoughts and questions come up. Ponder your questions as you read and re-read these scriptures in the light of the truth they present. I am convinced that you will begin to know God and yourself in a more intimate way as you mediate on scripture. It is only seven verses, read them ponder them and let them soak into your heart. I trust that the God of all the universe will meet you there.
Psalm 37:5-6 (MSG)
5-6 Open up before God, keep nothing back;
he’ll do whatever needs to be done:
He’ll validate your life in the clear light of day
and stamp you with approval at high noon.
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How Does God Validate You? – Part 2
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I really like this post. I agree that the problem is actualizing the truth found in scripture. The world conditions us to believe that we are inadequate and the truth of ourselves will never be enough until we are validated by the worlds standards. The great irony is that people who are quintessentially living up to the worlds standard of validation are often guilty of addiction, infidelity, corruption and greed. They often exemplify character traits that serve as evidence of their emptiness. It is just so difficult to receive the idea that God really does validate us.
Great insight Ben – I go back to the metaphors in scripture often to understand God’s love and validation. Metaphors like – Father and child or shepherd and sheep, give us beautiful pictures of God’s true love and care. – thanks
the message you are passing is so correct. we all need validation but the problem is where we get it; from is the wrong source.
How do I get more of god’s validation? I know this is what I need it just won’t stick
I think so many times we are looking for the “AHA” that will make it stick. Try to see validation as a journey with Christ as He reveals Himself to you. As you walk with Him you will see yourself differently every step.“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 MSG
I feel like this is what the Lord wants to address in my life right now. Can you recommend any books or resources on validation?
Thank you!
Thanks for the feedback. I have enjoyed John Eldridges books, they have been a vehicle to help me see myself and God differently. Falling for God by Gary Moon is very good and Hearing God by Peter Lord.
Thank you for breaking validation down and offering insight into how to change our need to get it from anywhere other than God.
Thanks, I am glad it meet you where you are
I love this–when Christ is all we have–we have all we need for validation!! 🙂
Yes – Tony, He is all we need
I went to my churches men’s “boot camp” this weekend and was moved by what I heard! My whole life I’ve been seeking “validation” in others, specifically my relationships with those I love/ women! I judged my worth by how well I performed in their lives! Since I came home yesterday I have felt under the attack of the enemy! Doubting everything I learned I have been searching for answers this morning! So grateful that GOD’s word is LIVING!!! Thank you for bringing GOD’s word alive in my life today!!!