As I talk to women I’m amazed how alike all of us really are. We may look different, but deep down inside we are all the same – broken people that are hurting in some form or fashion. Don’t believe me? Just take a look at a few of the conversations I’ve had over the past few months.
“I don’t want them to know the real me.”
“Why share when no one seems to care about what I have to say?”
“Nothing good came come from my life.”
A lot of us have become really good at covering up our feelings (I’m raising my hand here) while others of us wear our hurt on our sleeve. No matter what camp you’re in, I’d love to scoop each of you up and fix all of your problems. But the reality is that I can’t. What I can do is come alongside you right where you are and cheer you on! Will you let me do that for you?
As I’m cheering you on, here are two truths that you need you to believe in order to live a fulfilled life!
You are adored!
Now I know that some of you are snickering at the thought of someone adoring you. But it’s true – you are adored!
No matter what anyone else thinks about you, the Lord adores you! He formed you in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13), knows every hair on your head (Luke 12:7), sings over you (Zephaniah 3:17) and does many other things that you wouldn’t even be able to fathom them all.
But if you’re like me you value the opinion of others more than what the Lord says about you. You’ve read the verse about being fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) a million times without giving it a second thought. But when Mary Jane tells you how awesome you are you value that more than what the Lord says about you!
I know this is a hard pill to swallow because I’m talking about myself more than I’m talking about you. But if we’re every going to heal from whatever it is that’s plaguing us, we’re going to need to start living for an audience of one and believing what the Lord says about us. Dig into His word and find out all the things He says about you. (Not sure where to begin? Start with the Psalms!)
He adores you – believe it!
(If you’re struggling with your self worth, I urge you to read Beth Moore’s So Long Insecurity. This powerful book was a game changer for me. You can also check out Why am I so insecure? and Our Misconception of perfection.)
You are worth it!
You’ve devalued yourself for so long, asked yourself if your life has purpose, and believed the lie that no one else cares about you so why should you care about yourself. Well girlfriend I’m here to tell you that you are worth it!
It looks different for everyone. What is your it?
- Eating healthier so that you can lose weight and feel better about yourself.
- Finding a job that you’re passionate about and can look forward to going to every day.
- Getting on a written budget so that your family can get out of debt.
- Cutting back on your lifestyle so that you can quit your job and stay home with your kids while they’re little. (Or maybe even finding a work from home job.)
- Going to a new Bible study at your church so that you can find a new friend.
I could go on, but I think you get the point! It is different for everyone.
I’m not encouraging you to do something I haven’t done myself. The truth of the matter is that I’ve had to do quite a few of the things on this list myself and I know firsthand how hard they are. One thing I have learned about branching out of my comfort zone and becoming faithful in showing up and working on my it is that the Lord will prove Himself faithful too. He’s done it for me countless times and I know He will do it for you too!
Now I’m not saying that the pounds are going to drip off, money is going to appear in your checking account or you’ll be offered a new job tomorrow. But what I am saying is that the Lord knows your heart. If you’re seeking His will for your life and being the best you possible, He’s going to honor that in some way. It may not be what you had originally planned, but I can promise that it’ll be more than you could ever hope, imagine or dream!
You are worth it – believe it!
You, my sweet friend are wonderful & a gift from the Lord! Oh how I needed to read this! Isn’t it amazing how even though we know we are made in His image and loved beyond our comprehension by Him, we still don’t think of ourselves as worthy or important or beautiful (the list could go on & on).
‘The Lord knows your heart’ – that itself is hard to remember too because we can try so hard & feel like we fail & just want to give up but He knows! He knows our intentions & loves us no mater what!
Thank you! Thank you!
Thank you for your encouragement Ashley!
I’m so blessed that He could use me to speak to your heart!
Very true – so much growth and happiness can come from seeing things through those two filters.
Thanks for sharing with us at the #HomeMattersParty link party.
My Dear, Sweet Friend, just what I needed this morning! God’s love is patient and perfect! A great reminder that we are worthy! Thank You… 😘
Yes it is…and I’m so thankful for that!