Seeing Yourself Through God's Eyes: I am precious to God (Daily Devotional)

Day 3

"You are precious and honored in my sight, and...I love you." (Isaiah 43:4)

Does anyone care? Do I make a difference in anyone's life? Do I matter at all? When the answers seem bleak, it's important to realize that although few have escaped the painful rocks of rejection, a shipwrecked soul is not at the heart of God's plan for any child of His. When trials seem unending, when heartaches are hitting wave upon wave, if only we could remember, "This too will pass." He says, "You are precious and honored in my sight."

     Do you feel precious to God? Do you consider yourself cherished? Even when you feel you are not, you truly are. Though you've been drenched with defeat, God's love is like the endless tide. Your compassionate Savior wants you to "...know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:2-4).

     One of life's most beautiful and costly wonders is born out of pain and irritation--the pearl. When a piece of sand slips through the opening of the oyster's shell, it immediately begins to rub against the soft tissue to produce a hard substance. That hard substance eventually develops into one of the world's exquisite gems--a lovely, luminous pearl. In fact, the greater the irritation the more valuable the pearl!

     Perhaps a "grain of sand" or an excruciating trial is causing you painful irritation right now. Know that God has not abandoned you. He has a purpose in allowing trials to invade your life. God's plan for you is a perfect plan--to produce a pearl of great value. Even in the midst of the strom, you are safe. Your Savior will keep you safe from the storm's destruction.

     "We are safer in the storm God sends us, than in a calm when we are befriended by the world."--Jeremy Taylor

     Because of the trials you suffer, God can produce in you a quality that could not be cultivated in any other way. As you see yourself through God's eyes, know that you are of great value to Him and that He desires the very best for you. He says, "You are precious and honored in My sight, and...I love you."

Personalize these verses in your own words:

Isaiah 43:2 _________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Jeremiah 29:11 ______________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Father, through Your eyes I can see that I... ________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

I am secure because...I am precious in the sight of God.