November 19, 2012

• Beloved

  Isn’t the power of words incredible? Isn’t it amazing that God created the universe simply by speaking?

  (Gen 1:3 NLT) Then God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.

  The Bible says that God made man in His image. Our words have a creative force, too. Sometimes we use them for good, and sometimes we don’t. We have all read posts, seen posters and heard sermons about how words can hurt.

  I always thought that stupid child’s rhyme: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” is so untrue. I have been hurt many times by words, and I am sure you have, too.

  When negative words are spoken to us by a person who has an important place in our lives, (a parent or other relative, teacher, friend, boss, etc.) it DOES hurt. Often, we find it hard to forget it, and if we dwell on it, it might begin to shape who we are, and what we think about ourselves.

  I have counseled so many people who have been hurt by words; made to feel inept and worthless and small. I have experienced that same thing happen to me. If we aren’t careful, we can allow the words of others to dictate how we see ourselves. I don’t understand why we give people such power over us. Oh, but we do.

  We have a choice. Yes! We can make a decision to believe what GOD says about us, and to let the hurtful words of others just slide off. OK. Sometimes it’s hard, because we CARE what others think of us, but shouldn’t we care even more what GOD thinks? His opinion of us is certainly the one that matters most, right?

  I love this passage from Isaiah. God gave this promise to Israel, but I believe as a child of God, I can claim it for myself as well. I am precious in God’s sight! So are you, my friend.

  (Isa 43:1,2,4 NLT) “But now, this is what the LORD says-- he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.”

  God says we are His beloved. He says we have value. He says He will fight for us, protect us and comfort us.

  (Rom 9:25 NLT) Concerning the Gentiles, God says in the prophecy of Hosea, "Those who were not My people, I will now call My people. And I will love those whom I did not love before."  God is always thinking about us, and His thoughts toward us are precious. He cherishes His children.

  (Psalm 139:17 AMP) "How precious and weighty also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!" 

  If you have allowed the negative words of other people to shape how you feel about yourself STOP IT! Let what GOD says about you be the thing that you hold in your heart. He knows you better than anyone else ever could, and He loves you.

  • 4:56 am
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