Many times I find myself looking to others as my source of strength and pride. I gain my confidence through others telling me such frivolous things like, “You look pretty today.” Or (since I’m a reporter) “That was a fantastic article you wrote.” I look to people to assure myself I am good at what I do and that I am a good person. However, through reflecting on these readings (Ex 32: 7-14) and (John 5: 31-47) I realize I put a huge amount of focus on what other people think, and take little time to reflect on what God thinks.

In John, Jesus says, “How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God?” It makes me wonder where the emphasis is in my own life, and whose opinion to I hold onto when I get upset or down on myself.

I have caught myself saying these very words; “God doesn’t speak to me like he speaks to everyone else.” The fact of the matter is with our busy lives, we don’t take the time to listen. His opinion is the one that matters the most. His opinion is the one we should hold on to when we feel down about ourselves. God loves and cares about each and every one of us; we just need to take the time to focus on Him, and He will be our guide, our strength our confidence.