Breaking Free from People-Pleasing: Embracing God’s Approval

There’s a powerful verse in the Bible that I’ve meditated on often:

“Do I seek to please men, or do I seek to please God? Because if I seek to please men, then I am not a servant of God.” Galatians 1: 10, 11

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This verse has been a guiding light in my journey, reminding me that true peace comes not from the approval of others, but from knowing that I am walking in alignment with God’s will.

For years, I sought the approval of people—longing for their “well done” instead of God’s. I made decisions based on avoiding disappointment or letting others down, even when I felt an internal tug telling me otherwise. Maybe you’ve been there too, feeling the pressure to say yes when you want to say no, or going along with something just to keep the peace.

But here’s what I’ve learned: when we choose to follow God’s approval over people’s expectations, we experience a peace that surpasses all understanding. Pleasing others may bring temporary comfort, but it can never replace the deep assurance that comes from knowing we are in alignment with His purpose for our lives.

Following Peace Over Approval

One of the most transformative lessons I’ve learned is this: if you follow peace, you will naturally distance yourself from people-pleasing. God’s direction comes with peace, even when it disappoints others.

We often believe that making people happy will bring us joy, but the reality is, no amount of human approval can satisfy the longing in our hearts for God’s “well done.” The fear of disappointing others can keep us trapped in cycles of seeking validation, but when we shift our focus to God, we realize that His affirmation is the only one that truly matters.

God Works Through Our Brokenness

This truth became even more personal to me as I walked through my own journey of adoption. For years, I felt shame surrounding my story and hesitated to talk about it—not just because it was painful, but because I didn’t want to make others uncomfortable. I didn’t want to ask questions that might upset the people around me, so I kept my emotions bottled up, trying to maintain peace rather than processing my own feelings.

My adoption wasn’t something openly discussed in my family, and when I finally discovered the truth—finding my adoption papers as a child—it was a moment that changed everything. But even then, I struggled with whether I had the right to bring it up, afraid of how it might affect others.

For a long time, I wrestled with questions of identity and belonging. I wanted to be accepted, to avoid disrupting relationships, and to push down the discomfort I felt inside. But looking back, I can now see how God has used my brokenness for good. He has woven my story into something greater than I could have imagined, using it to encourage and uplift others.

Romans 8:28 reminds us:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Even when our stories feel messy or painful, God is working behind the scenes. He can take the very things we once saw as burdens—our fears, our shame, our brokenness—and turn them into a testimony of His grace. And part of that grace is learning to embrace our own story, not for the approval of others, but for the healing and purpose God intends for us.

Breaking Free Starts with Trust

If you find yourself struggling with people-pleasing, I encourage you to pause and ask yourself:

• Am I making this decision out of fear of disappointing someone?
• Do I feel peace about this choice, or am I wrestling internally?
• Am I more concerned about human approval than God’s approval?

God’s “well done” is worth more than the fleeting applause of people. Breaking free from people-pleasing starts with trusting that His approval is enough. When you follow Him, you will find true peace—one that remains even when others don’t understand.

Today, I challenge you: release the need for human validation and embrace the freedom that comes with walking in God’s approval.

You are already accepted. You are already loved. And God’s “well done” is the only one that truly matters.

I’d love to hear from you! Have you struggled with people-pleasing? How has God helped you overcome it? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to encourage and pray for you!