Attention Seeking
Friday February 8, 2019
Attention seeking takes various forms, but the underlying root is that we feel the need to be noticed and cared for. We feel insecure, lack self-esteem, and wonder if our lives really matter to anyone. In the past, to lessen our feelings of insecurity, some of us began using addictive substances. For a time, this worked but eventually we became dependent and this only added to our inability to cope with life.
The Lord is close to those who have suffered disappointment. He saves those who are discouraged. (Psalm 34:18 ERV)
Without a substance to hide behind, some of us feel vulnerable when we are in a group and often turn to some form of attention seeking to hide our feelings. We may talk too loudly or too much. To impress others, we tell stories that are untrue or exaggerated. We gossip about another person to make it appear we know something of importance that others don’t.
We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you. (Psalm 33:20-22 NIV)
The good news is that by turning our will and life over to the care of God, we can be healed and restored to the unique person God created us to be. We can live securely in God’s love and not need to pursue attention in a negative way. We can respect ourselves and others and share common interests and gifts in an enjoyable way. Which way will we choose to live today?
Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. (Psalm 143:8 NLT)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your unfailing love for me. I bring all my emotional needs to You and ask for healing. I desire to let go of all my selfish ways. Please help me to notice and look out for others who may feel invisible and to love and care for them as You have loved and cared for me. Amen
©2019 Partners in Hope
More information on this and other related topics @ http://www.partnersinhope.ca/life-with-god-in-recovery-resources/
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