“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:14 ESV
The fact that this is the first week of February has been astonishing to most people. I’ve seen much social media content celebrating making it through the “year of January” and only welcoming February if good things are in store. Last week in my prayer time, I legitimately asked God “why did You make me brown?”
Clearly, the month of January shenanigans were getting to me too in their own way! As soon as I posed the question, God deposited segments of these verses in my Spirit: first, “...I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14a) and then “you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.” (Psalm 139:13). It was one of those rare moments where God answered my question immediately, and lovingly let me know that I’m more than enough.
No matter what skin we’re in, or what identities or character traits we possess, there are moments in life when we can feel like nothing we do is good enough, or even worse that who we are is not enough. For me, in that moment of questioning, it wasn’t about despising my skin but being weary from having to engage in battles and double-standards because of my skin.
Perhaps, you’re struggling on the job because your giftedness is too much for others and it could be unintentionally striking envy in the hearts of folks like when Saul became envious of David because of who he was, his accomplishments, and his potential (1 Samuel 16-18). Maybe you find yourself wanting to give up and no longer try to live out your purpose because of adversity, weariness, or being overwhelmed similar to John Mark when he abandoned his mission trip (Acts 13).
The beauty throughout Psalm 139 is that we are reminded that God knows not only every situation we face (before we do!), but also knows exactly who we are because He created us and purposed us well in advance of us arriving on this earth. No matter what burdens or experiences you’re facing because of who you are and how God made you, please know today that you are enough.
This isn’t to say that we never have to change. In fact anything that helps us to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with [y]our God” (Micah 6:8) or compels us to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23) is fair game to make us more Christlike. I am encouraging you to focus on who God says you are and don’t let the circumstances of life make you doubt your worth. You are more than enough for you are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Reflection
What’s happening in life that’s causing me to doubt myself? How can I remind myself of my identity in Christ and in God? What Scriptures can drown out the lies of the world and elevate His truth about me?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for making me just as I am: wonderful. Forgive me for not valuing Your creation of me. Help me to focus on Your truth about me and not what others say. Lead me in the way everlasting that honors You daily. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Photo by Felicia Buitenwerf on Unsplash
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