Wonderfully Made

“I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

-Psalm 139:14

I’ve heard this verse my entire life. It’s like bluegrass music to me; comforting and nostalgic. If you ever got called on in Sunday school to tell a verse this was your go-to.  It was simple. People would say, “If you’re ever feeling down about yourself go to the verse about being wonderfully made.” It’s one of those “come right out and say it” types that, not only throws in a lot of truth, but words it in a way that anyone can understand. It’s uplifting, honest, and well-known, and that is why it so loved. This verse is so good, so easy, that it can sometimes begin to lose its meaning.

I’ll admit it… I’ve been having one of those moments when I don’t feel like I quite measure up. Negativity has taken its toll on me and I’ve been hearing myself say, “I’m too ‘this’ or I’m too ‘that’ for ‘this’ or ‘this’ to work out.” Not only has “what if” become a big part of my vocabulary, but my reactions have shown me how much I have been questioning myself. We all pray for confidence through Christ, but to really live that way is tough.

My mama told me that sometimes all it takes to see yourself in a different light is to look through a bigger perspective. So let’s get up on that mountain and peer down at the world. What do you see? Now really look, and let’s be rational. By this point in our conversation I am usually embarrassed and fumbling my words. The thing is a lot of the stuff I worry about is really nothing. That irritation that has been bugging me or disappointing me or making me unsure is trivial compared to life as a whole. My life should consist of so much more than my tiny bubble. I should have a heart that sees needs, not wants. Truthfully, the secret to seeing yourself as fearfully and wonderfully made is not necessarily seeing yourself at all. It’s seeing God’s work in you. Look at all He has accomplished through you and all He will accomplish. You are much more than externally pretty. You are internally and eternally beautiful in the eyes of your Creator and all who see Him in you. And if you’re willing, He has so much planned for you. Don’t let the world and its distractions get in your way.

We all want to feel like we are pretty, and that’s normal, but we can’t let it consume us. So when those times of uncertainty come the best way to reassure yourself is to open up your Bible, read, and think about how much He must love you to write a book just for you. Wow, you must really be “wonderfully made” ;).