I think we all at one point or another have felt worthless; if not worthless, then like a failure, ignored, disrespected, uncherished, or any other slew of similiar things that may surface throughout our lives. Although they are completely valid and natural feelings, if we allow ourselves to be defined by those feelings, we may put ourselves into a dark pit that will keep us in a cycle of thoughts that drain the joy, peace, and confidence out of our lives because we are forgetting to put our worth not in things of this world (other people’s words, thoughts or actions; our careers; the maintenance of our home, etc.) but in Jesus. Though once you are saved and no one can snatch you out of God’s hands (see John 10:27-29) and you are His treasure (1 Peter 2:9-10), the devil would want your confidence in the security of Christ, and therefore your value, to be shaken. Thanks be to God that He tells us in His Living Word how we are to respond to our feelings of worth and confidence in Christ being shaken:
“Be sober-minded [other translations say “self-controlled”]; be watchful [alert, discerning]. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:8-10)
“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:4-5)
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18)
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)
Questions to ask yourself:
- Think about a time you feel worthless, fearful, or overwhelmed. Now think about the words God is speaking to you through the scriptures mentioned above. How do these verses counter those feelings of being overwhelmed, worthless, or fearful?
- Where does God’s perfect love come from and why can we count on that love to be permanent, unchanging, and always for our and not against us?
Prayer Prompt: Confess to the Lord your feelings of worthlessness, knowing that God is faithful to comfort, strengthen, and refresh you with his great love.