[CF Devotionals] 2008-01-14 - Simon Says: Focus on What God Says about You

It can be easy to believe what our brains tell us about ourselves. I have a habit of seeing all my faults and blunders, while the positive and decent aspects of myself get buried beneath the mistakes. I admit to occasionally believing what society says we should think, look, and act like. When we don't measure up to these man-made standards, it's simple to neglect the good we feel about our uniqueness, and instead pay attention to the majority's ideal.

Why is it difficult to listen and believe what God says about us? Are His words too good to be true? At times, it may be hard to fathom that God can see us so positively and yet know all about our past and the errors we'll make in the future. It's hard to believe edifying and complementary things about ourselves, when the rest of our world is telling us otherwise. Simon, also known as the disciple Peter, says our only focus should be what God says about us.

Verse nine in 1 Peter 2 states: "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." (NIV)

Peter declares us chosen, royal, holy, and belonging to God. These weren't weak words spoken to pump people up. The apostle wanted to encourage and remind people who they were in Christ. As one of Jesus' disciples, Peter knew first hand about Godly love. He also knew what it felt like to question, deny, disappoint, and be forgiven by the Lord. The next time we are tempted to belittle ourselves, remember what God says about you and me.

  • God dearly loves us. (Colossians 3:12)
  • We are His children. (Romans 8:16)
  • God cares for us. (1 Peter 5:7)
  • The Lord will give strength to us, His people. (Psalm 29:11)
  • God is with us. There is no need to fear. (Isaiah 41:10)
  • When we look for God, we will find Him. The Lord will not abandon us. (Deuteronomy 4:30-31)

Lisa

[email lisa] lisa@cfdevotionals.org

http://www.cfdevotionals.org
http://www.postapraise.com