I remember a time a number of years ago where I was working on getting healthy.
Eventually, over time, I got down to my ideal weight. I was happy, well-adjusted, energetic, and free of carrying all that excess.
Notice I said “was”.
Then a couple of acquaintances came along and rained on my parade.
On the surface they seemed to be truly concerned, worried that I was anorexic.
And so, I listened to them and ended up gaining all that weight back.
Looking back, I wonder if these same people would have come to me worried about me having a heart attack if I gained what they considered “too much” weight. I kind of doubt it.
I should have remembered that only what God says about me matters.
More recently, I went into another tailspin when relatives who think they know me tried to put other labels on me. I ran one of the labels by a good friend, and she totally disagreed with them. Another label I know for sure is not correct; it was more like a false accusation, but I let it bother me anyway.
Accusing and debasing words only have power over us if we let them.
I’ve just got to stop letting them!
I reject those labels and accusations.
They are not helpful for the furthering of the kingdom of God.
They drag me down, as I waste time analyzing their veracity or lack thereof.
They get me thinking about me, what’s wrong with me, what others think of me, poor me, they hurt MY feelings, and so on.
They get my focus off of God who is supposed to be my first love.
They accomplish exactly what the devil wants them to accomplish, unless we reject those labels and thank the Lord, instead, for how
He declares us “fearfully and wonderfully made”. (Psalm 139:14)
The people who said these things think they know me, but they really don’t. They look at me through the lens of their past, and not necessarily even of our past together. In addition, they have hardly spent any time with me in the past twenty plus years or so.
God, on the other hand, has “searched me and known me” daily.
- “He knows when I sit down and when I rise up.”
- “He knows and understands my thoughts from afar.”
- “He is intimately acquainted with all my ways.”
- “He knows every word before it comes to my tongue” to be spoken.
- He watches over me even while I sleep.
And He never, ever falsely accuses me.
He never calls me mean names.
He never tries to degrade me to make Himself feel better about Himself.
He never tries to discourage me.
He is my favorite relative and best Friend!
The only labels He puts on me are good labels, like:
- Loved
- Forgiven
- Accepted
- Beautiful
- Valuable
- Useful
- Cared for
- Holy through Christ
- Seated with Him in heavenly places
- Cherished
- Known
- Heard
- Seen
- His delight.
Wow!
Why in the world am I listening to these other people, anyway?
Enough already!
It’s not my job to be what other people think I should be!
It’s only my job to be the me that God made me to be, with His help!
I choose to listen to God instead of people!
I choose to reject the labels of mankind and accept the labels of my loving God!!
How about you?
Do you struggle with labels and false accusations? Do you get bogged down and discouraged? Aren’t you glad that God knows you and loves you and values you?
P.S. For more encouragement check out Psalm 139.
Linking up with:
Thank you. I needed this reminder today.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Praising God that He used me to encourage you here today, Vicklea!
You are precious in His sight!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I LOVE Psalm 139! “If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” I have heard this verse paraphrased this way: “You guide me with one hand and hug me with the other.”💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I love it, too, Ann!
I remember when I was in Africa meditating on that verse. I had had to rise on the wings of an airplane to get there! 😀 And yes, even there, He surrounded me with His love and protection!
I like that paraphrase, too. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that you’re rejecting Satan’s lies with God’s truth!!!!! Keep in the word, I know you will🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Alicia! Yes, keeping in God’s Word is so important! The lies are so loud, but God’s Word is like a steady, faithfully flowing river, always there, always strong, always true. May the lies be washed away forever!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen!!Amen!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Powerful! SHARING!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much!
LikeLike
Reblogged this on New Life in Christ Jesus and commented:
YOU ARE WHO GOD SAYS YOU ARE…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much! Bless you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a great reminder that God is the one who truly knows us and that it is the labels he puts on us that really count!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Lesley! Yes, His Word is the truth!
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment! Have a blessed new year!
LikeLike
Those lies can taunt us so ruthlessly, can’t they? With you, I keep trying to remember and claim the labels God puts on us, not on what people do. Thank you for this encouraging post, Ruth. Love and blessings to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, they can, Trudy. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for continuing to visit and read here! Love and blessings to you, as well! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
God is the best friend ever ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen! So true! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have figured it out. You are enough. “Fearfully and wonderfully made”. I loved this post. Thank you for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Laurie! I’m glad you liked this post! May the Lord use it for His glory!
Thank you for reading and for the encouraging comment!
LikeLike
I am grateful for the labels God has placed on me. Thank you for your insight and for sharing such a powerful message.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, me too!
You’re welcome, Annette, and thank you for reading!
God bless you!
LikeLike
This is so heartfelt and I praise God for His truth and His mercy to help us understand His love when we struggle, sometimes daily, that’s real love to His kids ❤ God continue to be with you and may He bless you with words of encouragement. As you so often encourage others ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I join you in praising Him!
Thank you, dear T.R., for your sweet blessing and words of encouragement! The Lord bless you, as well, and give you peace. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is awesome!! I can get too caught up in what so many people think of me, and it becomes selfish. God needs me wrapped in Him. Period!!! Yes🙌🏽🙌🏽
LikeLike
Thank you, Brittany!
Yes, it can be so hard. There are many outspoken and opinionated people, but we need to bring those words and opinions to the Lord of all and ask Him for His authoritative decision on what is the truth of the matter. His truth is our protection from enemy attacks. (Ephesians 6:10-18)
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] Rejecting Labels – I appreciate the honesty Ruth shares. It’s easy for people to label us based on what they think they know about us. But the truth is it is crucial we focus on what God thinks of us ❤ […]
LikeLike