“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” (Psalm 139:14).
I’ve heard that verse so many times, but when I read the word “works” I always thought big – like creation of the earth and all its wonders – big. I don’t put myself in that category, but I am one of God’s works.
Throughout my life, I’ve held the opinion that the mistakes I’ve made result in me being a worse version of myself than the original, perfect creation that I was in the womb. I’ve thought that If I’d made different (better) life choices, then I would be better, and I would more closely resemble the person God originally created. But, that isn’t true. God has allowed or even given me certain life circumstances to continue to shape me since birth. It wasn’t a one and done. It has been and will continue to be a constant refining of character, not a deterioration of self, if I am submitting my life to Him.
I am my own worst critic, comparing myself to others who I perceive as more – more loving, more kind, more patient, more spiritual. A better listener, friend, spouse, parent, servant. You name it, I can find someone who does it better than I do. But, what if, instead, I focused on what God designed me to do? What if I used the gifts he gave me to serve Him? I don’t have some of the gifts that He gave to other people. But that doesn’t mean I am flawed. I need to accept AND celebrate how and who He made me to be.
If I accepted this truth, I could stop feeling bad about all the ways that I am different from the people around me. I could stop thinking that if only I was like______, I would be more_______. God made me. Period. End of story. All that God made is marvelous. This includes me and all those I love (and even those I don’t).
Father, help me accept God’s creations without criticism. Let me celebrate the gifts each one brings. That includes me. Just as I am. Today. Not with all the stipulations I always put on myself or the list of changes/upgrades I think I need. I am a marvelous work. Let me know that is true, right down to my soul.
Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”