Lately I’ve noticed a struggle emerging in me to dwell on my faults and weaknesses, almost to the point that it’s debilitating. I don’t know if you can relate but it’s just too easy to get caught up in all of the things that we aren’t.
For me that looks like this: I’m not outgoing enough, or at all actually. I cannot tell you how much I inwardly cringe when I meet new people and am expected to talk a lot. I freeze up or say the same silly thing over and over, or sometimes I say things that don’t even make sense.
Here’s another one: I’m not skinny enough, or at all actually. I chide myself day after day for not losing my muffin top, even though I do eat somewhat healthy and workout. But even after all of my progress to instill healthy habits, all I can see if that I’m still overweight. Why can’t I celebrate the fact that I’m doing my best and I’m putting quality foods in my body?
I could go on and on with this list of faults of mine, I’m sure you could too.
But then I came across this scripture in Luke 12:6-7:
What is the price of five sparrows- two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
“You are more valuable to God” caught my eye. I guess because looking at my flaws forced me to consider myself un-valuable. Every time I saw a flaw in myself I took out my measuring stick and proceeded to deduct some inches from my worth.
That’s exactly why we can’t base our value on externals, personality bents or successes. We are valuable to God because of who He is not who we are. What does that mean exactly? He loves us because He is a good father that sincerely celebrates His children. Our identities are wrapped in being His children. That’s what makes us valuable.
I wonder how much we must grieve the Holy Spirit with our constant complaining of our bodies? Are most of the words coming from our mouths negative and full of self defeating talk? I wish I could say that I don’t still struggle a little in this area- after 20 something years of it. But I do. I am better than I used to be, but I have to be intentional about it.
If you struggle with this kind of thing, here are a few things that can help:
1) Be intentionally grateful. Instead of waking up and noticing all of the things you don’t like about yourself and setting yourself up for a horrible day, try starting with intentionally thanking God for the body He gave you. Thank Him for your quirky personality. Thank Him for your big cankles that support you so you don’t fall down. Thank Him for your frizzy, curly hair (or thin, fine hair) that covers your head.
2) Be kind to yourself. Instead of saying negative things out loud about yourself, turn it around and speak life. For instance- Instead of saying ‘I’m so fat, I’ll never lose weight! I’m so tired of this fat body” try saying “I’m a work in progress. I’m not exactly where I want to be, but I love myself too much to speak death.”
3) Do something nice for someone else. Seriously, just getting your mind off of yourself is HUGE! The best way to do it is to find other people to help. Who can you pray for today? Who needs your help today? It’s amazing the chemicals that our brain will release when we help other people.
I pray God reveals how valuable you are to Him in the days to come. Life is too short to live unhappy and feeling un-valuable friends!
