Friday September 4, 2020

Psalm 139:14

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

This verse is a landmark verse for me. At a time when I was struggling with my value as a human being, my self image, a friend introduced me to this Psalm of David. Suddenly, as I was reading this verse, I saw myself through God’s eyes. “Fearfully and wonderfully made….” That’s Me! All my self doubt and self deprecation was gone.

Recently, however, the old insecurities and doubts resurfaced. As I faced numerous challenges as a caregiver for my mother, I began to recount my failings. I have also been dealing with the aging process, again spurring my feelings of low self esteem and feeling inadequate.

Fortunately, a new thought arose. “I am fearfully and wonderfully made”, but I am not perfect. The two are not mutually exclusive. In fact, my imperfections may be perfect for God’s purpose for me. Knowledge of God’s perfection in my creation gives me hope and strength. As a plus, my imperfection gives me sympathy and compassion for others. My imperfections save me from the sin of pride. It’s true, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” and I am not perfect! I don’t have to be perfect to be perfectly loved by God and employed for God.

So what does it mean for you to know that you are fearfully and wonderfully made by God? How does this change your self image? Can you own the truth that you don’t have to be perfect to be loved and used by God?

Can you accept that you aren’t perfect and don’t have to be? God can use that imperfection to work grace and truth in our world.

Dear God, thank you for creating me both fearfully and wonderfully, but also imperfectly! May this knowledge give me hope, joy and purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.