In most cases, we are our harshest critic. We tend to beat ourselves down. The way we talk to ourselves would be completely unacceptable to talk to anyone else. We have the highest expectations and often set the bar so high, it is unrealistic. We don’t always treat ourselves well. When someone else criticizes us, we can easily allow this to absorb into our already overloaded mind and heart. We feel as though we must become the person others think we are – that there isn’t another way.
And yet, this isn’t at all what we are taught by God. We are taught, instead, that we are his beloved. We are taught about how much we are loved. This downward spiral we fight begins in our minds. We tell ourselves how stupid we are or how dumb that decision was. We beat ourselves up when a mistake is made. We are so harsh. Most people have no idea how badly we treat ourselves. It is our thoughts of who we think we are which drive us.
Today’s focus scripture reminds us these aren’t the thoughts we should allow to run our lives. These aren’t the thoughts which are acceptable or good or profitable. These are damaging thoughts. God gives us another measure. He gives us a different guide. He provides something different to consider. Our thoughts should be true, first and foremost. If they are true – really true – then we understand who we are in God. We begin to see ourselves as God sees us. We begin to see the beauty within because God is within. We see who God created us to be and it isn’t the failure we may have told ourselves. We are not a disappointment to God. So if our thoughts are going to be true, we must begin with the truth. God says we are loved. God says we are his children. God says we are more than good enough because of who he is. God says we are created for so much more. God knows us and loves us anyway. Maybe we should do the same.
Today, may our thoughts begin with the truth…the truth of just how much we are loved.
Focus Scripture:
Philippians 4:8
8 Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery. Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery
SEEING THE EXTRAORDINARY 