Recognition and Validation

Recently, a television personality commented that she had talked with nearly 30,000 people on her program. She said they all had one thing in common: “They all wanted validation.” This meant they wanted to be recognized and appreciated. They didn’t want to be taken for granted. They wanted to be rewarded.

How natural it can be to desire validation, to want to be rewarded for our efforts. But these desires can become obsessions, and some become consumed by the quest for money, promotion, and other tangible rewards.

But what happens when we don’t receive the recognition we think we deserve? The psalmist had seen many people who repeatedly sought to promote themselves. He had seen how this often was the byproduct of arrogance. An imbalanced focus on themselves.

Failing to receive adequate recognition, many became frustrated, disappointed, and angry. The psalmist even described some having “a defiant fist.”

But he had discovered the joy of trusting God for recognition and rewards. As the Perfect Judge, He knows the truth. He is completely fair and alone “decides who will rise and who will fall.”

Realizing these truths, the psalmist could be freed from worry and focus on doing his best—serving God, and fulfilling His call. Trusting in Him, his heart overflowed with praise: “I will always proclaim what God has done; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.”

In your life, remember to be grateful when you are rewarded. But always remember to make it your highest priority to please God. Trust Him. Seek first His Kingdom. And dedicate your life to Him. Find joy in giving to Him from your resources, and from serving Him.