I am one of those people who is motivated by simple words of encouragement. Even in my employment, it is not the financial opportunities that drive me nearly as much as a simple acknowledgment of a job well done. The reality is, I think we are all in that same boat. Each and every day we seek acknowledgment and approval from those around us; strangers, co-workers, family and friends. We seek validation of our accomplishments, hopes and dreams. Some days, we receive it and some days not so much. The problem arrises when we rely only on what people say about us and we forget what God says – after all, it is His opinion that truly matters. So what does God say about you? He says you are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14), He says you “are the apple of His eye” (Psalm 17:8), He says you are …
Tag: Psalm 139
One thing I have really enjoyed in my career is interviewing people. I really enjoy sitting down, asking questions and digging into their resume. What always amazes me, is the extent that people will go to to really make themselves sound perfect. Always trying to brush over any sign of weakness. But how quickly that changes when it comes to something God calls us to do. We pull out our weaknesses, our excuses and the “why we are not the right ones” or “why now is not the right time”. We are SO fast on whipping out that list of “why-nots”. Just look at some of the great men of the Old Testament, starting with Moses in Exodus 4:10: Then Moses said to the Lord, “O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” And then …
For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them. Psalm 139:13-16 For me, these verses have defined my life. These words are my safe place; where I return when I need to be refreshed. Let’s be honest, this was a very hard concept for me to grasp in my early days as a follower of Jesus…that He saw my unformed being. That He intricately and meticulously formed every part and laid out in advance of me setting one foot on this earth, a …
