HAVE YOU ALLOWED OTHERS TO DAMAGE YOUR SELF-ESTEEM?

SCRIPTURE:
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people 
belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you 
out of darkness into his wonderful light" 
(1 Peter 2:9)

MEDITATION:
Have you ever had feelings that you are out of step with others?
A time when you felt unimportant and useless with no purpose in life?
If you are a child of God, you should never have those kinds of feelings.
Why? Because you have been chosen by Him!

What a comforting thought!
Regardless if you are rejected or ignored by others, 
God does not exclude those who belong to Him.
Others may not love you, but God does!
Others may not listen to you, but God does!
Others may not be concerned about your welfare, but God is!
Others may not be concerned about your feelings, but God is!
Others may not be concerned about your troubles, but God is!

The list could go on and on, but it is important for every believer to 
remember that no matter how others might treat you, God considers you special.
The scriptures clearly tell us 
that “He calls us out of darkness to His wonderful light”!
Think about that for a moment.
Whenever things seem dark, God loves you so much 
that He sheds the light of His mercy, grace and love into your life.

Sure, we all want the approval of others, 
but if we have God’s approval, isn’t that much more comforting?
When we belong to Him, we can eagerly look forward to His blessings for us.
Doesn’t it just make sense that one of the ways 
He calls us out of darkness is through His incomparable blessings?

Whenever we feel like our dreams and hopes have been lost, the light of 
God’s unfailing love breaks through our clouds of darkness and depression.
Just think, His Spirit is with us whispering that we are the ones He wants.
He has been telling that to some for years, 
but they still struggle with getting past the words and actions 
of others that convince them that they are not wanted.

His Word reminds us that through Christ, we are chosen by God.
His Spirit fills the gaps in our hearts 
and reminds us that we belong to Him.
We might not be able to get clearance to speak to the President of the 
United States, but we can connect with the One Who is higher 
than the highest on earth.
If we do not connect with Him and listen for His voice, then we will miss 
out on our opportunities to receive His uplifting and encouraging light.

ACTION:
Have you been feeling ‘beat down’ by others and the things of this world?
Do you feel like a failure 
as a result of the influences and actions of others?
If you belong to God, then look past the comments of others 
and focus on how important you are to the Lord.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son so that I can belong to 
You. Forgive me for allowing those of the world to have a greater impact 
on my self-esteem than You do. I now realize that You are the only One 
who understands me and can bring light into my darkness. When I receive 
Your light, my hope is restored and I know that there is a reason for my 
existence. Help me to connect more with You daily so that I can better 
understand Your purpose for me. I know that my life will be brighter 
whenever I am concentrating on fulfilling Your Will for me.”