My entire life I have struggled with feelings of fear, unworthiness, and thought that I’m not good enough. As I grow closer in relationship with our Heavenly Father, I realize I need to accept and agree with who God says I am no matter what I feel. Feelings are deceptive but God’s truth is clear.
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9
This verse has gotten me through all kinds of battles within my own mind and it continues to. I don’t know about you but I want peace in my life. I don’t want to constantly be unhappy and upset within my own little world. I need God’s help to place into perspective His truths about me and the situations I face.
There are two outlooks on life that are polar opposites but have something in common. A person full of pride is confident in their abilities but is very selfish in thinking the world revolves around them. It’s harder for these types of people to know their limitations or accept they could be wrong. On the flipside, there are personalities that naturally tend to feel inadequate, unworthy, and fearful. It’s hard to get them to do anything without being very cautious!
Both views are not accepting who God says we are. They are of the mentality “it’s all about me” even if one view is poor me. Saying poor me and feeling sorry for yourself means that you are constantly dwelling on your problems and what you lack. If you were more concerned with the welfare of others you wouldn’t have as much time to consume yourself with such negativity.
Placing God’s opinion above our own and accepting His truth for what it is, is crucial. When we come to know Jesus and give our lives to Him, we accept the Word as His truth. So humor me for a moment as we see where we could go wrong with prideful thoughts or with the “poor me” thoughts and what God says in each case.
Poor me says: |
God says: |
| Everything goes wrong and I complain a lot | Do everything without grumbling or arguing. Philippians 2:14 |
| I’m not good enough | I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 |
| I am fearful | So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 |
| I have no future | “For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope”. Jeremiah 29:11 |
Pride says: |
God says: |
| I am perfect, I can do no wrong | For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 4:23 |
| I want attention | Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3 |
| I like to brag about myself | God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. James 4:6 |
Humility is doing God’s will above yours and placing others’ needs and desires before yours. I didn’t realize that I was showing God that I didn’t care what He thinks or says about me. I had the “poor me” mentality. Please join me in accepting who God says we are whether you tend to be more prideful or pride less.
You may be facing a crisis in your health, career, kid’s lives, friendships, or marriages but I have good news for you. You can still be joyful and happy in every circumstance! Yes you should do everything you can, exhaust every effort, and pray fervently. But when you have done all you can do, trust that God is good and has plans for your life for your good.
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Jesus tells us in the verse above that in this life, we will have problems and storms that we will face. But Jesus urges us to be courageous in every circumstance and He will give us peace. If how you view yourself and react to problems is outside of the will of God, you will be miserable. Some of you need to start praising God right now in the middle of the situation you face. Let God do what only He can do and give Him praise that you are going to make it out stronger. Praise Him for giving you an opportunity to live in Heavenly bliss after this life.
Life on earth is merely a speck in the wind compared to eternity. Yes it is hard to keep praising Him and doing the right thing during trials but being forever separated from God is not worth it! Don’t let momentary trials steal your joy and eternal future with God. In Heaven there is no more sorrow or pain. There is only joy and peace that surpasses all understanding that no one can experience on earth.
A Prayer for You
Lord, help us to see ourselves the way You do. Forgive us for not taking Your Word as truth about us in how we view ourselves. Draw us closer and closer to You. We choose to place our trust in You and praise You in every circumstance. Your will be done Lord, not ours. In Your son Jesus’ name, Amen.
Stay hopeful!
1 Comment
I just wanted to express how much I liked this post. Joy!