You are fearfully and wonderfully made!
“God created man in His own image” (Genesis 1:27).
With the images and messages delivered daily before our eyes and ears by newspapers, magazines, television programmes, films, music, advertisements and so on, it is little wonder that many people suffer with low self-esteem. The media projects an unrealistic ideal for both men and women to aim for in terms of their physical attractiveness. Plastic surgery, cosmetics, body-building formulas, fake tan, hair extensions and diet plans are celebrated as the answer to our insecurities and the solution to looking like the latest glossy or handsome celebrity. Our culture teaches us to ridicule and be disgusted with so-called physical imperfections and use whatever means we can to fix them. With our modern computer technology we can even edit images of ourselves into the mould we desire.
But the Word of God speaks a different message to that of the world, and for those who believe in it the struggle for self-acceptance is a battle that can be won. It is the devil’s lie that you are worthless, inferior, ugly, abnormal, or whatever falsehood he throws at you. When we study and meditate on God’s Word then the truth of how He intricately created us and loves us will set us free from the bondage of low self-esteem.
God created us in His own image (Genesis 1:27, Genesis 5:1-2) therefore we should not condemn, criticise or have disbelief in the magnificent beauty that He created in us. God in His glory, splendour and power did not create a mistake. Every one of us is a MASTERPIECE of the most High God: “you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:13-14). The shape of your body was crafted by the Lord, and the colour of your skin and each mark was designed for His pleasure; it is pleasing in His sight (Genesis 1:31). And what’s more, God himself breathed the very life into you through His Holy Spirit (Genesis 2:7, Job 33:4). It is God who made you, and I, and we belong to Him (Psalm 100:3). Appreciate the wonder He made in you and keep sacred the body that He made for you (1 Corinthians 6:20).
Perhaps others have used words that have discouraged you or made you feel unloved. It may be that you have been mocked because you don’t fit into the world’s vision of beauty. Whatever anguish you are experiencing or baggage you are carrying, know that you are precious in God’s sight and His thoughts towards you are innumerable (Psalm 139:17-18). Whenever you are tempted to feel downcast and worthless, quote the scriptures about how fearfully and wonderfully you are made. Even if you have to repeat it ten, fifty, one hundred, or even more times a day, do not stop proclaiming the truth.
You are loved. You are beautiful. You are precious.You are fearfully and wonderfully made!
