Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Restored Self-esteem


“A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman — who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels, and her value is far above rubies or pearls.” (Proverbs 31:10)

       “Why am I always messing up?” I asked the Lord, sobbing, following a terrible misunderstanding I had with someone recently who called me a few choice words. “I can’t seem to do anything right. I’m always making mistakes.”
       I was crushed.
       I sent a text message to one of my best friends to give her a hint about what happened. I was too upset to talk, so I told her not to call me. Just pray. Of course, she called me anyway. Tears spilled down my face as she read Psalm 59 and prayed for me.

Perfect Peace
       After our call, I felt some sense of peace, so I began searching the Web for a bible study I was thinking about introducing to my women’s group — only to realize it was out of print. I called the publisher to see if it had any study guides in stock. No such luck. The gentleman on the phone suggested a similar study written by the same author.
As I read the first few pages of the excerpt online, I gasped. You are a “capable, intelligent and virtuous woman,” the Lord said. No matter what anyone thinks. You are my precious daughter. Holy. Innocent. Righteous.
       Instantly, my spirit soared!

Whisper of Sweet Nothings
       The Lord also said everyone makes mistakes, but don’t dwell on your shortcomings or condemn yourself. You’re forgiven and free of guilt. You’re the apple of My eye and surrounded with My favor.
       I smiled from ear to ear.
       The next day, I discovered a Christian bookstore that sold 8½ x 11-inch single sheets of stationery with various scripture messages on them. I saw one that featured Proverbs 31with the words “A Virtuous Woman” displayed in bold across the top. It now hangs prominently in my cubicle at work and on my bathroom wall at home as a reminder of what God says about me. 

God of All Comfort
       God’s Word met me right where I was that dreadful day — far down in the pit of despair. He healed my broken heart — and He promises to do the same for you. So when your world seemingly falls apart, cry out to the one who loves you perfectly. He will lift you up and give you a firm place on which to stand. 

Prayer: Thank you Lord for loving us so much, for seeing the best in us no matter what mistakes we make or what anyone says about us. And most of all, thank you for answering us in our desperate times. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

16 comments:

  1. Hi Judith -

    You are a crown of glory and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God (Isaiah 62:3-KJV).

    Romans 8:1
    There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus,...

    Revelation 12:10
    ...for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

    Revelation 12:11
    And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony: and they loved not their lives unto the death.

    Romans 8:37
    Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

    So my precious sister in Christ, continue to celebrate WHOSE you are in HIM and what He has in You!

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  2. Great post Judy. He is always there for us, isn't he, and he certainly gets his message across, sometimes over and over again! So glad that you accepted the invitation and took a glimpse of yourself through his eyes. Now, your post will do the same for all who visit it. Thanks.
    Andie

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  3. What a beautiful post! It's just like the Lord to speak to you in just that way. A Word in due season from the Comforter or Comforters. :)

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  4. Hi Judy, thanks for stopping by. Great post. The Bible Study you quoted sounds like a very inspiring study.

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  5. I love it how God speaks to us in simple ways. Thank you for this. I need to be reminded to keep my heart and mind open to God's voice.

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  6. Judy - Only when I look at myself through God's eyes - and only because He looks at me through Jesus - only then can I see myself correctly...

    Pure...righteous...beloved...redeemed...Daughter of the Most High King!

    I am joining you, and letting my spirit SOAR!!

    GOD BLESS!

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  7. Hi Judy,

    I think one of the most difficult things to do is distinguishing when we are tearing ourself down from standing in the light of truth. Many have heard the same repeated messages from others about our value and worth. We try to forget, but at times it becomes a recorded message in our thoughts.

    It's easy to say, "Don't berate yourself, it serves no useful purpose", but when self-esteem is whittled away, time and time again, it becomes more treacherous and difficult to navigate through the emotional minefields.

    I'm glad that the Lord ministered grace and truth to you when it was most needed.

    Blessings and peace.

    MTJ

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  8. Hi Judy, thank you for sharing this powerful and encouraging message!

    Blessings too you this day!

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  9. The power of life and death is in the tongue and we must be sure that we watch the words we say to build and not destroy. Sticks and stones can break our bones but words can destroy a nation. Thank God for His Words of Power and Restoration. He knows just what you need and when you need it. When the tears dry up you are stronger then ever!!! By His stripes you are healed from the pain.......Hallelujah

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  10. Thank you my sister Jackie!

    Blessings,
    Judy

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  11. Thank you Judy for connecting with me on my photography page. I have another page too. Please visit me at http://weareone-ruth.blogspot.com/. I am so excited reading your page. You sound so joyful to be solving your discouragement.
    Thanks,
    Ruth

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  12. @Ruth ... Thanks for stopping by. Hope to be conversing with you often.

    Blessings,
    Judy

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  13. Judy,
    I love Proverbs 31. It reminds me that God made us just the way we are for a reason. I love that you found solace in God's word. He is the great fixer of things!!!! God bless you.
    Beth

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  14. Hi Beth,

    Thanks so much for stopping by! I'd love to leave messages on your blog, but I am unable to. Can you make me a team member? Thanks.

    Blessings,
    Judy

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  15. Thanks for visiting my blog. I really enjoy your writing and look forward to looking at your photography site.

    God Bless,
    Bryan

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  16. Judy,
    Thanks for sharing your virtuouswoman blog address with me. I've enjoyed your posts. This one is really powerful. Thanks for sharing!
    Esther

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