By, Hope Reidt
“How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would be more in number
than the sand; when I awake,
I am still with You.”
(Psalm 139:17-18)
God’s thoughts toward you are more in number than the sand. If you have kids or pets and you’ve taken them to the beach, then you understand how small each grain of sand is. Those miniscule grains seem to work their way into everything!
Imagine trying to count each grain of sand, not just on one beach, but on every beach in the world! It would be impossible to count every grain. And yet our Lord’s thoughts toward us are more in number than the sand. When you’re feeling insecure, remember that you are of great value to God. “Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31)
“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:27) You aren’t a mistake, and you aren’t unloved. God created you! Even before you were conceived, God knew you. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” (Jeremiah 1:5)
You may feel insecure about certain aspects of your body, but God created you in His image. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10) You are a special creation. So special that God sent His only son to die so that you could have eternal life. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.” (Psalm 118:9) This can be so hard, can’t it? We’re inundated with images from everyone’s highlight reels on Facebook and Instagram, and it’s easy to compare ourselves to others. That’s not where we should be focusing our energy, however. The Bible tells us to “Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?” (Isaiah 2:22)
When we look to others for validation, that’s a sure-fire way to feel insecure. Looking to the Lord for approval means moving your eyes away from others and self and is a great way to overcome insecurity.
Society profits from our self-doubt. When you put your eyes on the Lord, your thoughts will follow. Your mind believes what you tell it, so remember to nourish it with the right things: Start in God’s Word.