Freely Speaking - Devotional by Andi Benson

Welcome to Freely Speaking, an OHSOFREE devotional ministry where we share our hearts and trust God for transformation.

Today’s devotional was written by Andi Benson and narrated by Sharee Gaiser.

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10, NIV)

For many women, the desire for approval becomes second nature. Today's verse confronts this heart: "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God?" Pleasing others can feel noble until it steals our worship. The burden of approval starts with small choices. We fill calendars, silence needs, and shape our priorities for applause.

When approval becomes the aim, God's voice gets quiet. The burden grows heavy because it's built on fragile human esteem. We must stop and ask whose approval truly matters. Answering God releases us from performing and opens space for grace. bb

For most of my life, I carried the burden of people-pleasing rather than Savior-seeking. It is VERY hard for me to tell people no, for fear that I won't be liked or that I might let someone down. I sacrificed my needs, peace, and, many times, my relationship with the Lord to please EVERYONE. It was exhausting and draining, leaving me always unfulfilled.

God used a women's Bible study to reveal these truths and help me slowly let go of my need to please everyone. I began to survey what I was giving my time to and started to say no without guilt. I was more intentional with saying yes and His purposes for me. In this process, I learned that surrendering burdens becomes a pathway to deeper worship and rest.

As you surrender the need to please, notice what God restores: joy, clarity, mission. The freedom God offers does not eliminate care for others but reorders it. Walk lighter today by fixing your heart on the One whose approval endures.

Lord, help us stop performing, and start abiding. Teach us to seek Your face above human praise, to find identity in Christ alone, to exchange burdens for the rest You promise.

Thank you for joining us today. To learn more about OhSoFree Ministries and Gracelight Collective, please visit us at www.gracelightcollective.org