Do you every worry, “What do they think of me?” Going over past encounters in your mind- what was said, what should’ve been said, what you regret saying. Studying those interactions and coming up with your own conclusions of their thoughts and feelings about you.
Or maybe there has not even been an encounter. Maybe no or few words have been spoken. But you still wonder- “What do they think of me?”
From my devotional this morning:
“Beware of seeing yourself through other people’s eyes. First of all it is nearly impossible to discern what others actually think of you. Moreover their views of you are variable: subject to each viewers’ spiritual, emotional and physical condition. The major problem with letting others define you is that it borders on idolatry. Your concern to please others dampens your desire to please Me, your Creator. It is much more real to see yourself through My eyes. My gaze upon you is steady and sure, untainted by sin.”
Jesus Calling by sarah young
I’ve fallen into this trap more times than I’d like to admit. Pondering, discerning, reading body language, looks and words said and coming up with my own conclusions about what others think of me. If I wasn’t having the best day and ran into someone and wasn’t my best self- I’ve worried about how they perceive me. And on days where I was my “best self”, I’ve still wondered and at times worried.
It’s an exhausting trap trying to control what others think of you. And impossible. Even at the age of 36, I still need this reminder. And maybe you do too.
“Through Jesus’ eyes you are deeply, eternally loved.”
Rest in that. And let Him deal with others’ feelings towards you.
