4ANEWDAY

Letting go of people-pleasing and leaning into the presence of God

“That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man…” — Ephesians 3:16-17, 19

There is power in being different—especially when that difference is rooted in following God.

I no longer feel guilty for needing stillness. I’ve discovered that when I carve out time to be in the presence of God, I grow—not just in peace, but in power. He begins to shape, develop, and strengthen me from within.

This world will always ask us to conform—to please others, to fit in, to be palatable. But I’ve come to understand that people-pleasing is the enemy of God-development. The closer I follow His voice, the more He cultivates the gifts He placed inside of me long ago. And as He develops me, He defines me. No longer shaped by others’ opinions, I walk boldly in my identity.

The Apostle Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3 reminds us of a truth we often forget: that our inner transformation is a supernatural work. It’s not about trying harder—it’s about allowing God to strengthen us with His Spirit, to root us in His love, and to fill us with the fullness of who He is.

This journey takes faith. It takes surrendering.

But in choosing God’s path, we shine—becoming lights in dark places.

So today, I declare:

    •    I will not be afraid to be different.

    •    I will not apologize for seeking stillness.

    •    I will trust that my closeness to God is not just for me—it’s a blessing to others.

And with that, I pray:

God, define me.

Direct me.

And develop me from within to become who I need to become to do what You’ve destined me to do.