PSALM 19:14

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

TO PONDER

Who is it that you are trying to please? Whose acceptance or recognition means more to you than anyone else's? Esther found herself in a position in which she had to please and gain favour with the most powerful, and possibly also the most dangerous man in the known world at the time, King Xerxes, King of the Medio-Persian Empire. She, and other young women like her had to endure 12 months of 'beauty treatments' before they were deemed ready to enter the kings presence. That's a lot of effort and commitment to pleasing someone.

Often we find ourselves worrying about or trying to gain or earn the respect and favour of others. Maybe we want to please our parents in recognition of what they have given and contributed to us? Maybe we are trying to attract or please a partner? Perhaps we hope to earn the favour of our boss or supervisor at work? Most of us spend a lot of time trying to please or meet the expectations of others. The psalmist in today's psalm was concerned only that his life be pleasing to God. I wonder how many of us worry about living a life that is pleasing to God, as much as we worry about pleasing others.

So who are you trying to please today?

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, my Lord and my redeemer. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle