Jen’s Gem: You are worth more than you know.

Years ago, I remember watching a TV show in which people would clean out their attics or basements and discover some long lost treasure buried in between the family photos and the Easy-Bake Ovens. They’d take these treasures to an appraiser only to find out that what they thought was worthless, landed them a few hundred or even thousands of dollars.

Worthless to worthy. Who knew?

We live in a world where worthlessness abounds. The message of “you’re not good enough” echoes in social media feeds 24/7, TV, and even to our faces. Photoshopped pictures of supermodels scream we’re not pretty enough. Buff athletes shout we’re not pumped up enough. Job losses bellow we’re not smart enough. Sometimes even our very own peeps let unkind words slip, making us feel less than.

These feelings of worthlessness have a domino effect in our lives. They can cause us to be anxious, depressed, or fearful. They may cause us to keep our great ideas to ourselves or not apply for that dream job or not say hello to that pretty girl or guy for fear of rejection.

“That idea probably wouldn’t work anyway.”
“I’m not really qualified for that job.”
“They wouldn’t want to date me.”

With our confidence shaken to the core, we recoil back into our respective comfort zones to avoid rejection, judgement, or failure. It’s safe there. No one can hurt us.

While this is a true statement, it’s a terrible way to live. Plus – it’s not God’s plan for us. We are not designed for failure. We were created for victory. How do I know this? Because God never loses. Ever.

From the first word in Genesis to the last word in Revelation, the Bible is filled with people who experienced victory. Oh, and these were not Photoshopped models or buff athletes or savvy business people. Far from it my friend. But God doesn’t see that part. He saw their hearts. And more importantly, He saw His own heart and His deep love for them.

David (of David and Goliath fame) was a “man after God’s own heart.”
The apostle John was the “one whom Jesus loved.”
Abraham was called “a friend of God.”

Now while David is described as handsome, athletic, and talented, those attributes meant nothing to God. Also, David did not rely on these when he faced a nine-foot giant named Goliath. He also didn’t rely on these when he went into battle nor when he led an entire nation. He relied on only one thing – the love he knew that God had for him.

Many of the great people of the Bible did not feel worthy. Moses told God he was “slow of speech” and couldn’t possibly go in front of Pharaoh to command him to let the Israelites go. Mary, Jesus’ mother, also did not feel she was worthy to carry the Son of God in her womb. But God saw none of this. In fact, it’s written that God got annoyed with Moses when he repeatedly backed away from the challenge and sent Moses’ brother Aaron along with him to do the speaking.

Like I said. God never loses. His plans always come to fruition. Always.

I wonder if the Old Testament people had the opportunity to listen to Jesus preach if they still would’ve felt unworthy, undervalued, or rejected. Time after time, Jesus speaks of the great love He has for us. The apostle Paul can barely contain himself when he speaks of the love of God.

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

Look at that list! Death. Life. Angels. Demons. Fears. Worries. Powers of hell. Powers in the sky. Powers in the earth below. All of creation. Not one thing can ever separate God and His love for us. I beg you to just take a moment and soak that in! Then I dare you to think of one person on this planet who feels the same way about you.

As much as you may be loved by your spouse, your kids, your friends – it pales in comparison to how much God loves you. It’s a drop in the bucket. How do I know? He said so:

“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7

This week, I’d like to encourage you to meditate on these two Bible verses. Read them over and over and ask God to show you how much you’re loved. Once you experience this – even for a nanosecond, you will never be the same.

You are God’s treasure. The world may put a price tag on you. But to God, you are priceless.