You have value!

How often do you put yourself down in your mind? How many times in a week do you allow yourself to think that you don't have much value? It is easy to buy into the lies of shame, worthlessness, and cynicism.

We have done a powerful exercise periodically in the last 4 years in my weekly support group. We go around the circle to each man, allowing all the other members of the group to share a word of encouragement to that particular individual. We speak words of blessing, words of praise, words of that man's value. It is a unique, special time of affirmation.

You know what I have found to be true when affirming one's value? Whether the individual believes you or not, they receive a blessing. They are encouraged. They are lifted up.

You may feel beat up today. You may feel the world has ripped you off. Your relationships may be strained at best, absent at worst. These, and many other things, attack your sense of worth. But God is faithful, never wavering from His conviction that you have immeasurable value in His sight. His confirmation of such passion was the sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus Christ, on your behalf. What amazing love...

Are you struggling with thoughts of despair and shame? Take heart, you are valuable to the King of Kings.

Amazed and perplexed,

jonathan