Finding Happiness Through God's Approval, Not Others'

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the liberating truth that happiness does not depend on the approval of others. Many of us spend our lives seeking validation from people, whether it's a parent, a friend, or society at large. This pursuit can lead us away from the path God has set for us, as we become more concerned with pleasing others than fulfilling our divine purpose. The key to true happiness lies in understanding that we are as happy as we choose to be, and that choice is rooted in focusing on God rather than the opinions of others.

When we shift our focus from seeking approval to seeking God's will, we find a freedom that allows us to live authentically. This doesn't mean we disregard others' feelings or become insensitive, but rather that we prioritize God's perspective over human judgment. The person whose approval you've been chasing for years may never give it, and that's okay. Their approval is not a prerequisite for your happiness. Instead, happiness is a personal choice, a decision to align with God's vision for your life.

By embracing this truth, we can avoid the trap of depression and dissatisfaction that comes from trying to meet others' expectations. Life is not about conforming to others' standards but about living in accordance with God's purpose for us. When we focus on what God wants, we find a deeper, more lasting joy that is not swayed by external disapproval. This is the essence of living a life of faith and fulfillment.

Key Takeaways:

- Happiness is a Choice: True happiness is not contingent on others' approval but is a personal choice. By focusing on God rather than human opinions, we can live a life of joy and fulfillment. [00:51]

- Freedom in God's Approval: Seeking God's approval over human validation liberates us to be who we are meant to be. This shift in focus allows us to live authentically and purposefully. [01:06]

- Letting Go of Unmet Expectations: The approval we seek from others, especially those who may never give it, is not necessary for our happiness. Letting go of these unmet expectations frees us to pursue God's plan. [00:36]

- Avoiding the Trap of Depression: Constantly seeking others' approval can lead to depression and dissatisfaction. By choosing to focus on God's desires, we can avoid this trap and find true contentment. [00:51]

- Living for God's Purpose: Life is not about conforming to others' standards but about fulfilling God's purpose for us. This perspective shift leads to a deeper, more lasting joy. [01:06]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:12] - The Liberation of Self-Approval
[00:26] - Living for God's Purpose
[00:36] - Letting Go of Unmet Expectations
[00:51] - Happiness is a Choice
[01:06] - Freedom in God's Approval
[01:20] - Avoiding the Trap of Depression
[01:35] - Conclusion and Reflection

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 1:10 - "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."
2. Proverbs 29:25 - "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe."
3. Colossians 3:23 - "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to the sermon, what is the main reason people seek approval from others, and how does this affect their happiness? [00:12]
2. What does the pastor suggest is the key to true happiness, and how does this relate to our focus on God? [00:51]
3. How does the sermon describe the consequences of constantly seeking others' approval? [00:51]
4. What does the pastor say about the necessity of others' approval for our happiness? [00:36]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Galatians 1:10 challenge the idea of seeking human approval over God's approval? What implications does this have for a believer's life?
2. In what ways does Proverbs 29:25 illustrate the dangers of fearing human judgment? How can trusting in the Lord provide safety?
3. How does Colossians 3:23 encourage believers to shift their focus from pleasing people to serving God? What might this look like in everyday life?
4. The sermon mentions that happiness is a choice. How does this concept align with the biblical passages discussed? [00:51]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you sought approval from someone who never gave it. How did that affect your happiness, and what can you do differently now? [00:36]
2. Identify an area in your life where you are currently seeking human approval. How can you shift your focus to seeking God's approval instead? [01:06]
3. Consider the relationships in your life. Are there any where you feel trapped by unmet expectations? How can you let go of these expectations to pursue God's plan for you? [00:36]
4. How can you practice choosing happiness daily, regardless of others' opinions? What specific steps can you take to focus more on God's desires for your life? [00:51]
5. Think about a situation where you felt depressed due to others' disapproval. How can you reframe your perspective to find contentment in God's purpose for you? [00:51]
6. What practical actions can you take this week to live more authentically and purposefully according to God's will? [01:06]
7. How can you encourage others in your small group to focus on God's approval rather than human validation? What role can community play in supporting this shift?

Devotional

Day 1: Happiness is a Personal Choice
True happiness is not dependent on the approval of others but is a personal decision rooted in focusing on God rather than human opinions. Many people spend their lives seeking validation from others, which can lead them away from their divine purpose. By choosing to focus on God's will, individuals can find a freedom that allows them to live authentically and joyfully. This shift in focus helps avoid the trap of depression and dissatisfaction that comes from trying to meet others' expectations. Happiness is a choice that aligns with God's vision for one's life. [00:51]

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you are seeking approval from others? How can you shift your focus to seek God's approval instead?


Day 2: Freedom in God's Approval
Seeking God's approval over human validation liberates individuals to be who they are meant to be. This shift in focus allows people to live authentically and purposefully, prioritizing God's perspective over human judgment. The approval of others, especially those who may never give it, is not necessary for happiness. By letting go of unmet expectations, individuals can pursue God's plan and find a deeper, more lasting joy that is not swayed by external disapproval. [01:06]

"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a situation where you have been trying to please others. How can you begin to prioritize God's perspective in this situation today?


Day 3: Letting Go of Unmet Expectations
The approval we seek from others, especially those who may never give it, is not necessary for our happiness. Letting go of these unmet expectations frees us to pursue God's plan. By focusing on what God wants, we find a deeper, more lasting joy that is not swayed by external disapproval. This perspective shift leads to a life of faith and fulfillment, where we are not bound by the standards of others but are free to live according to God's purpose for us. [00:36]

"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content." (Philippians 4:11, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a person whose approval you have been seeking. What steps can you take to release the need for their validation and focus on God's plan for you?


Day 4: Avoiding the Trap of Depression
Constantly seeking others' approval can lead to depression and dissatisfaction. By choosing to focus on God's desires, individuals can avoid this trap and find true contentment. Life is not about conforming to others' standards but about living in accordance with God's purpose for us. This understanding brings a deeper, more lasting joy that is not dependent on external circumstances or opinions. [00:51]

"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation." (Psalm 42:11, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a time when seeking approval led to feelings of depression. How can you redirect your focus to find hope and contentment in God?


Day 5: Living for God's Purpose
Life is not about conforming to others' standards but about fulfilling God's purpose for us. When we focus on what God wants, we find a deeper, more lasting joy that is not swayed by external disapproval. This is the essence of living a life of faith and fulfillment. By embracing this truth, individuals can avoid the trap of depression and dissatisfaction that comes from trying to meet others' expectations. [01:06]

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific way you can align your daily actions with God's purpose for your life? How can this alignment bring you joy and fulfillment today?

Quotes

"I don't need other people's approval to be happy if you learn this if this is all you get in today's message it'll change your life because otherwise you are living your life for what other people think rather than what God made you to be and you can't be who God made you to be if you're worried about pleasing other people." [00:04:55]

"That person you've been trying to get their approval for so many years like maybe it's the parent they maybe even died if you haven't got it by now I hate to tell you this you're not going to get it but the good news is you don't need it you don't need anybody's approval in order to be happy you're as happy as you choose to be and you focus on God rather than the people who disapprove." [00:31:38]

"If I spent my life worrying about all the people who disapprove of me I'd be in bed with deep deep depression but that's not what's life's all about I focused on God and I focused on what he wants not what other people think because I don't need and you don't need anybody's approval in order to be happy happiness is a choice." [00:54:05]

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Transcript
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