It is really easy to focus on all the things we get wrong. The places where we slip up, the words we wish we could take back, the anger that rises to the surface even when we try hard to stop it. We berate ourselves for all our failings and wonder what good there is in us when we just can’t seem to get it right.
When we look at ourselves through our failing human eyes we see our fallen state; we see someone that might be hard to love. We see a reflection that never quite meets the mark. Days like these where we can’t give ourselves grace are miserable and as we focus on our flaws it soon becomes apparent that other people must view us negatively as well. How could they not?
We all know the words: worthless, useless, incapable, and so many more, that start us on a downward spiral as we compare our so-called shortcomings to other people and to our own expectations for ourselves. The longer we think about all the things that have gone wrong, the bigger they grow in our minds until we realize that we can’t do anything right. It becomes hard to imagine how we could have gotten as far as we have in our lives when faced with our inabilities. Before we know it we are spiraling downward and saying things to and about ourselves that we would never say about anyone else because we know how untrue and wounding the words really are. But we say them anyway.
This is NOT who we are in God’s eyes! He does not see us this way. He values us as daughters that He loves unconditionally. In Colossians 1:13-14 we read, “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” We are redeemed and forgiven, not worthless, useless, and incapable. We have been delivered by Jesus shedding His blood for us. For you and for me. For every single one of us who has claimed Him as our Saviour.
Imagine! He sent His son to die to deliver us from the domain of darkness and to transfer us to His own kingdom. We have been removed from darkness and been invited into the light. We are the beloved daughters of our Heavenly Father and He loves us more than we could ever comprehend. But still we forget and we beat ourselves up, not remembering who our Father is and how valuable we are to Him.
When the hard days come, and they do for each of us, remind yourself of these two words. Redeemed. Forgiven. These are the words that define who you are. Write them down where you can see them. When all of those other accusations and words start to swirl in your thoughts and you forget who you really are, read them over and over. As you read them, remind yourself of the sacrifice that God made for you. He did that because you matter to Him. You are made in His image. You are valuable and you are loved. This is who God says you are.
Taking it Further:
What is another way you can remind yourself that you are redeemed and forgiven when you are facing a tough time in your life?