Self-Rejection

“I will give thanks to You, because I am awesomely and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:14 NASB

“It is difficult to make a man miserable while he feels worthy of himself and claims kindred to the great God who made him.” Abraham Lincoln

We live in a fascinating world and a fascinating time, even with all turmoil. Contemplating all of God’s unique and magnificent gifts, too many to count, strikes me with more than awe and provides a comforting presence. A snowflake is not like any other. A star shines differently than another. An autumn leaf is painted unlike another leaf. They are awesomely and wonderfully made.

No one looks like you. No one has your talents and gifts. No one. No one shines like you. You are awesomely and wonderfully made. I don’t know you yet I check your websites and joyfully humbled with your accomplishments and gifts! I know and trust God’s word that you are awesomely and wonderfully made. His word has never been wrong. He cannot lie.

And yet we reject ourselves. Here’s some of the piercing and discouraging traps:

Envy. Yep, really hate that one. It feels dark and well, icky! Usually caused by our comparison to another and always deficient. Always the cracked foundation of gossip. I’m no movie star, spiritual leader or athlete but God helps me shine. (I’m not envious of politicians. I can scratch that one off my list).

Fear. The most destructive and possibly the root of all the Enemy’s tools. Risk? I think not. Reach out? Tired. Maybe another day. Give? Nope. Hanging onto every nickel.

Old tapes. You know the ones from the past that we play over and over and over and lacks one blessed ending? Not the good ones. You have a Wonderful Counselor with much better tapes.

Doubt. Of ourselves and God. Giving others more power over our self-image than God who made us. Breeds insecurities and divisions.

Musings

A rehab counselor asked a group he was counseling, “If I say yes to the alcohol, what am I saying no to?” Additionally, “Am I operating out of fear or love?” It’s never neutral. If I say yes to self-rejection, I’m saying no to confidence, strength, peace, vocation and rejecting God’s handiwork. If I’m operating out of fear, the result will be tragic—no love for myself or others. If I’m operating out of love for myself and God, I’m open to God’s personal purpose for me. God’s purpose is always “abundantly more than I can ask or think.” We grow into it. It’s not a one-and-done thing.

Prayer

Dear Father,

Help us to really take in that we are awesomely and wonderfully made. Put it so deep into our very soul that each day is an adventure with you. Help us to thank you for this even though our feelings shout no and our enemy sneers at us, accuses us. The Enemy is a paper tiger put under Jesus’ feet.

Your son is beautiful beyond words. Your spirit is invisible yet “causes all growth.” Like little children, we are joyfully dependent on you now and forever and grateful for our purpose in your kingdom.

Amen.