We waste an incredible amount of time worrying about what other people think of us and about what we do. Scripture warns us against living for human approval rather than God’s: “Am I now trying to persuade people or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10, CSB). When we spend more energy correcting others than allowing God to search our own hearts, we reveal that we are paying closer attention to people’s opinions than to God’s Word. David prayed, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns” (Psalm 139:23, CSB). Too often, we speak “truth” without regard for how that truth is communicated, forgetting that “speaking the truth in love” is God’s standard for maturity (Ephesians 4:15, CSB). We look for encouragement and approval in all the wrong places, and in doing so, we discourage ourselves from fully walking in what God has called us to do (cf. Jeremiah 17:5–7, CSB).
There is a certain intimacy—and, in many ways, a loneliness—in the call and journey God places on our lives, and we must accept that reality. Jesus Himself withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16, CSB). We live in a selfish world, one driven by the gratification of the flesh (Galatians 5:16–17, CSB). Scripture reminds us of the power that words and opinions can have on the soul:
“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him… but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God” (1 Samuel 30:6, KJV).
David understood where true encouragement comes from. He did not look to people for the fuel he needed to keep moving forward—he went to God. “Those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31, CSB). In the secret place, David found the strength to rise again.
As we close out 2025 and prepare to step into 2026, many of us must intentionally disconnect from certain places, people, distractions, sinful behaviors, and reconnect with God like never before. Scripture calls us to this realignment: “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (James 4:8, CSB). We cannot afford to live discouraged, for “discouragement crushes the spirit” (Proverbs 17:22, CSB). We must know what God is calling us to do in 2026—and then do it. “Write down this vision… so the one who reads it may run with it” (Habakkuk 2:2, CSB). Without vision, people wander (Proverbs 29:18, CSB).
Stop being a slave to people’s opinions. Scripture reminds us, “The fear of mankind is a snare, but the one who trusts in the Lord is protected” (Proverbs 29:25, CSB). Stop waiting for others to do something for you. Go after God. Know the plans He has for you and obey Him (Jeremiah 29:11; John 14:21, CSB). Be radical in your obedience, for “to obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22, CSB). You do not need to wait for promotions, ministry opportunities, finances, business success, or even revival. Like Paul, learn to be content in every circumstance (Philippians 4:11–13, CSB). Seek the place of grace, where miracles do not define your joy, peace, or destiny, because “my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9, CSB).
Search for the anointing of God that breaks the yoke—not human effort or personal strength (Isaiah 10:27, CSB). Be effective in God, not in yourself, for “‘Not by strength or by might, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord of Armies” (Zechariah 4:6, CSB).
History reminds us that the men God has used most powerfully have always been men of prayer. E. M. Bounds wrote that “what the church needs today is not more machinery or better methods, but men whom the Holy Spirit can use—men of prayer, men mighty in prayer” (Bounds, 1907/2015). Charles Spurgeon echoed this truth when he said, “I would rather teach one man to pray than ten men to preach” (Spurgeon, 1904/2010). Andrew Murray affirmed that “a man who is truly devoted to God is one who has learned the secret of waiting on God in prayer” (Murray, 1895/2009). Leonard Ravenhill warned that “the true man of God is heartsick… grieved at the prayerlessness in the Church” (Ravenhill, 1959/2004).
Faithful prayer is not optional. It is the heartbeat of a life fully surrendered to God (1 Thessalonians 5:17, CSB).
Scripture Reading Recommendation for the Start of 2026 (CSB)
A focused 7-day reset:
- Psalm 139 – Invite God to search and realign your heart
- Isaiah 40 – Renewed strength for a new season
- Habakkuk 1–3 – Vision, waiting, and faithfulness
- Matthew 6 – The secret place, prayer, and priorities
- Philippians 4 – Contentment, peace, and discipline
- James 4 – Drawing near to God with humility
- Colossians 3 – Setting your mind on things above
References
Bounds, E. M. (2015). Power through prayer (Reprint ed.). Baker Books. (Original work published 1907)
Murray, A. (2009). Waiting on God. Whitaker House. (Original work published 1895)
Ravenhill, L. (2004). Why revival tarries. Bethany House Publishers. (Original work published 1959)
Spurgeon, C. H. (2010). Only a prayer meeting. Banner of Truth Trust. (Original work published 1904)
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