We all have those times when we feel low. I’ve been there. I know how you feel. Sometimes we look around and conclude we are so inadequate. Poorly prepared. Not up for the challenges before us. It’s not a very good feeling. And frankly, unless we get a grip on those feelings, they can lead to a downward spiral taking us to a dark place!
If you can relate to these feelings, then keep reading. Because there is a sure remedy, and the benefits far exceed feeling happy or content. Actually, you can fully experience the joy, peace, and rest that you long for in the innermost part of your soul.
What’s the remedy? The mirror! But not the mirror you may be imagining right now. Instead, there is a mirror that reflects back to you your real self – your greatness. Your unique treasure of gifts. Your awesome value.
What is this mirror? It’s God’s Word! And in it you will find a true reflection of who you are in Christ. Paul put it this way, “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12
In “Susan’s Translation” Paul is saying, “I now see myself according to who I am in Christ, but I don’t see the full picture. But when I am face to face with the Lord I will see my true identity – and even though I can’t see it all now, it truly is who I am.”
Our True Identity
So often, we take our identity from the world. We compare ourselves with other people. We take on the labels from parents, siblings, playmates, teachers, spouses and co-workers. We absorb the opinions of people – many of whom we may not even respect. We look at the perfectly coiffed movie stars or the chiseled muscles of athletes . . . and know there is a huge gap between their picture and our self-image. We even compare ourselves with fictional characters in movies and television shows! How will we ever measure up?
Here is the truth. That is the wrong mirror! If you are finding your identity from the world and from people, you are looking in the wrong place! And your reflection will never be the truth. Not only can you end up feeling bad about yourself. But you can also move into an unhealthy dependency for finding your worth and value from the opinions of other people (all you People Pleasers, wave and say, “That’s me!”).
Here is the truth of who you are:
For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them. Psalm 139:13-16
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in [Christ]. 2 Corinthians 5:21
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. John 3:16
In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 1 John 4:19
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9
For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth. Deuteronomy 7:6
Reflect on Who You Are in Christ
When God created you, He used His perfection, His mastery, His artistry. Yes, because of Adam all humankind was stained with imperfection. But Jesus changed all that for you and me and for anyone who believes: “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.” Romans 5:19
You are highly valued. You are God’s precious child. You are greatly esteemed and needed.
You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16
The Choice is Ours
We have a choice to make. Which mirror will we use when we seek a reflection of who are? Will we rely on the distorted reflection coming from the world and from people? Or will we look into the perfect mirror of God’s Word and embrace our true identity?
The best answer is easy to see.
Sharon
Thanks Susan for the words of encouragement and reminding us of who we are in Christ. Kindly please pray for my family. My two sons are so against me for whatever reasons of the past but I know its only the trick of the enemy.
As the year started 2016 I have been facing challenges every month but I standing upon god’s words and promises to me.
Keep up the great work!!! We are bless to be a blessing. And that is what you are doing.
Wow! This article hits the nail on the head for my situation. I have been a people-pleaser for too long, looking for my approval and sense of worth from others, good or bad. But it has been in a very unhealthy way; when the feelings aren’t reciprocated, I have turned into a bitter, hateful being. It doesn’t help that I have had so much abuse in my life that it really distorted my view of people and their intentions toward me too. But the good news is Father God will never leave you the way you are. He moves us from glory to glory, as long as we are open to the truth and seek His kingdom first in all things. He has given me so many chances to get it together because I refuse to give up and remain where I am. At 55, I know that I am in the second part of my journey with JESUS and I am now reflecting on everything I have learned from the first 55 years. I am now learning to see everything I went through as a practice. JESUS does not give ‘Fs’! He allows us to retake the lesson until we get it and then we move to the next level. All I know is when you are ready to accept your responsibility in the part you played in your life, then you can move on. And it does matter that you move on in a God-Frame of mind with no more negative thinking, forgiving all the way. Love keeps no record of wrongs. Learn to kill the devil’s whisperings in your ear. Cast them down in the name of JESUS and by speaking the WORD of GOD over your situation, and keep doing it until the devil leaves you alone. Remember, he is a roaring lion – you can hear him coming and you can fight what you are alerted to. Real lions on the kill are stealthy; they hunt in silence and get their prey before the prey knows it. The devil is so dumb; he tells you he is coming! God’s thoughts and conversations are good toward us even when He has to correct us. Father God convicts – the devil condemns.
I am going to keep coming to this website it has helped me so much
Wow! Powerful message!
Our God is so good. And He gives us the choice to go with His way of thinking or believing OR with the way of the flesh and the world.
I too have experienced much of what you wrote about. I praise God that He has led me closer and closer to Him and His ways.
Be blessed!
Challenges great or small come everyday and I wait on God for the answers but it is silent and no answer is seen or heard….I keep waiting sometimes in peace other times in anxiety, It’s His promises and faithfulness from past answered prayers that keep me going and growing in Him ❤❤❤
I know this can be a challenging time – the long wait. I’ve been there, too.
I encourage you to stand . . . and know that He is with you and working on your behalf. Continue to draw near to Him. Declare His promises over you and your life. Know for sure that you walk in the goodness and favor of God.
Be blessed as you wait in patience.
Thank you so much Susan for this message it is truly a blessing to me. I have been feeling loe but didn’t know how to get myself out of the blues. Your message and some other reading I was doing has given me inspiration to keep persevering through it all. Bless you.
Thank you Susan for this. Sometimes I feel low especially about my health, finances and family. Your message has been an encourgement and I trusting God and His Hloy Spirit to help me see myself according to the word of the Lord. God bless you
I’m trying to walk in Christ, but feel like I’m failing. I’ve always looked to men to validate me, and am in a relationship where he walked out on me 3 times due to me not being able to have kids. He says he no longer wants kids and was miserable without me. We have been back together for a couple of months now and have been fine, but i dont trust him. he predicts my mood. I’m happy when im around him but mind races and dont feel right when im not. My esteem is low , and when we broke up my life felt shattered. Funny doesnt feel to different now. I go to church every sunday i try to study the word and before he came back in my life I was really doing that. I’ve slacked off and i dont know what to do. he is in church as well but something doesnt feel right. One day im low next im high and its stressful
SB,
You are the bride of Christ. I encourage you to develop a deep and loving relationship with Jesus. Keep Him close to you. See your value through His eyes. Put your trust in Him. This is the way of Christ. The Christian walk in the Spirit. It’s not a once and done experience. It’s or life. He loves you when you are strong in faith and He loves you when you are weak. He will never leave you. And He treasures you always.
Thank you for your word and the importance of God’s Word. Time is short and there is much to be done. I am Blessed as I rest in Him but know many people who are down at this moment. It is a privilege to read what you write or some of it and some of the comments from others. God Bless you Susan and all you do and your involvement with so many people In His Service.
I have been at my lowest for the last four weeks due to comments from the Emergency Room staff and my primary doctor and pain in my body. I have been worrying everyday. But I am trusting the Lord for Good News on all of my tests results; on this Friday. I believe that everything will be alright. I am expecting only Good News regarding my health from the Lord; and I will continue to give the Lord the praise.
Thank you for the words of encouragement.
AJC
Keep filling your mind with God’s truth. Watch healing videos and teachings on YouTube. Keep your mind filled with the ways of the Lord until it is so deeply rooted in your heart that it is unquestionable to you!
Be blessed.
I’m believing the Lord with you. God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we ask or think According to the power that works in us. Be encouraged and know there is still power in the blood of the lamb that was slain.
Hi Susan,
Such an on time Word!!! God knows just what and when His children need!!
God’s Word is a wonderful reminder of His love, His faithfulness and His goodness and what we mean to Him. Thank you!
dear Susan
thank you for always sending encouraging words which is most needed
please keep me and my family and daughters in your prayers as we need God to answer our prayer requests.
We do trust that GOD will come through for us we just need to continue praying and praising the Lord for break through
in all areas.
Thank you so much for reminding us that we’re the image of God !
Good Morning, Thank you very much for the email I am at this point in time in my life at my lowest I was just thinking of everything and for reminding me what I am worth not what people want or think about me of all wrong doings but what Christ sees in me,
Thank you Susan, for this message. im at a time where im really lost and confused. im trying to figure out who i am in Christ and learning to open my heart to GOD. i started my daniel fast on monday but im struggling. im just hoping to gain more confidence in what i am doing.
Look to the Lord, Tsitsi. He is the truth. Soak your heart in His love. Lean on Him. He’s always there for you.
This was very timely . Thank you very much, this is my Break Through.
What sweet words to read:
You are highly valued. You are God’s precious child. You are greatly esteemed and needed.
This came aftwr a day of trying to reach a gay son, being demeaned by a cruel co worker at work, and reading how some of my friends are congratulating my ex husband (who left me for another woman) on his new marriage. Thank you for reminding me that people are not a proper reflection of who I am in Christ.
Thank you very much for this,I am down and hopeless……
Thank u Susan God bless u this word was for me am in Kenya and I love how u I spire me I don’t regret subscribing to this site. Continue praying for us am looking for a job desperately a good job am a single mother of one boy hep me pray that things work out well for me. Thank u
Thank you for this article Mrs, Susan. This was a very much needed message for me. I have been battling with doubt in my work, my worth, and even, at times lately, my faith. And you are very correct, it truly IS a dangerously dark spiral to go down. I know that our great Heavenly Father loves me and is here for me anytime that I need Him. I just needed a reminder.☺ Thank you so very much for being the vessel for Him to use to stir my faith and get it back on track! I pray that God will bless you and keep you in His loving arms. 😃
Thank you for your great words of encouragement. I really needed them today.
God bless you
Thank you for this word Susan. I have been very low for the past couple of days. Trying to get over a heartbreak when I also see that I am getting older by the day with no husband and everyone around me keep asking me. “When are you getting married?”. This particular heartbreak was unexpected as the relationship was going on smoothly and unexpectedly/suddenly he didn’t seem interested again with no solid explanation. I have also been praying and waiting on the Lord in other areas of my life and it seems like my prayers are not being answered. Thank you for your word. I will keep praying.
Thank you for sharing the word of God and word of encouragement .
IT IS SO GOOD TO HAVE PEOPLE OF GOD TO ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER. You ARE CERTAINLY BEING USED BY GOD. THANK YOU AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORKS !
Your email came when I was just about to have that low feeling and have a pity party. It was just on time. Thank you and may God continue to work through you.
Thank you for your words of encouragement and prayers. I am truly encouraged and blessed. May God continue to work through you and your ministry
Thank you Susan for this timely email. I really needed this Word, and have been pouring out my heart to Jesus, all day. God bless you and your ministry!
Susan, thank you for this timely message. I was feeling low today also. As a matter of fact, I have felt down for quite awhile lately. But I know my worth is found in Christ Jesus. Thank you for this uplifting moment. It was very timely. Thank you. Blessings to you.
I thank the Lord for this message and you for sharing it. It’s been a blessing to have you as my sister love and God bless you. I needed this thanks again.
Such a Good word to receive at a time in my life where I never thought I would be. Due to my Mom’s sickness and loss of her mobility, I am consumed with the care giving, changing roles from the Son to the parent to my Mom & Dad. As I am very much aware that many are lifting us up in prayer, it still gets very lonely as the only family caregiver. God has promised me strength for each new day and the ability to make it through and I so rely on this. He has promised restoration to my Mom in 2016 and it is getting close I just know. I stand on His Grace and love hearing your uplifting words of hope. God is a Good, Good Father to me as I gaze into the mirror of His word to assume my special identity, enabling me to do things beyond my imagination for my parents to help the healing come to my Mom’s body. Even though I have never married and had children, I can now identify with this very special caregiving role designed by Almighty God where selfishness diminishes when it is not all about our own needs any longer. Thanks for listening and God Bless you richly!
Hi Terry ..thanks for you beautiful and honest sharing. Caregiving can be very lonely and demanding at times. I had these experiences while taking care of my late wife through two cancers..breast and 14 years later colon. The journey is like rollercoaster and only God’ s word and positive articles help me through the mental anguish of those years. Lots of encouragement came from church cell group and family ministry. Very fortunate to have caring pastors to stand by me. Most important was my wife spiritual strength taught me a lot in reyurn to always turn to God. May His love be with you Terry..Paul Ooi.
You’re wonderful, those words were right on time I have always been of strong faith. But I’m down in the valley Got laid off from my job, the family was in a car accident and the car a total loss. We are mending. Friends that were supposed to be true friends, tucked their tails & ran when you needed them most. So I felt like a failure and a burden to others My church family has been good to keep me positive. But its really hard to sometimes. These words have given me an extra boost of positive encouragement at the right time. Thank you Please continue your writings.
Wow, I really needed to read this! It’s so true. Thank you.
Susan, you seem to say the right things at the right time for me and it’s amazing! I have been feeling a little tired and down lately as my wife had eye surgery the first of June and is now totally blind. She was already blind in her left eye, but had a retina detachment in her right. So far she cannot see and it’s been a challenge for me to keep up with the house, work and keep a smile on my face! When I read through the words God has given you, it gives me more energy and a more positive outlook. We continue to pray that she is able to at least see figures once her eye is completely healed but I know God has a plan and n. We continue to pray for you and all of God’s people, as this world could certainly use a lot more love! Thank you so much for what you do! God Bless!
You and your wife are in our prayers, Jack. I know this is a heavy time for you. I encourage you to pour your heart out to the Lord and cast your cares on Him. Speak to your wife’s eye and command healing and sight to come.
Be blessed, friend. And always remember . . . God loves you more than you can imagine!
Thank you for this very reassuring as I am now struggling with wondering how am I doing. As well as becoming quite discouraging and currently fighting to remain faithful. I did not begin the day well and had been unsettle since but grateful as this has lift me up. Thank you Susan
Thank you for that word I needed to hear that and my whole house
This message came at the right time! Its where i am at now… Very low! Thanks Susan. You always inspire me!
Good afternoon beautiful woman of God. Peace be upon you. Thanks you for the word of God and for confirmation. I am on a journey of walking in faith and yesterday the enemy peeked his ugly head out but he is already defeated. My sister thank you for your obedience to the Holy Spirit. May God continue to keep and bless you always.
Thank you so much for the inspired word. I was feeling very down and low because of Financial Issues and just waiting to hear from God for a right now HELP!
thank you for this I have a very heavy heart and I am struggling. I so want to get closer to God however I allow my busy day to consume me along with my fears.
Take even a few minutes to start, Linda. Open your heart to the Lord. Let Him minister to you through His Word.
He loves you so very much!
Be blessed.
I know exactly what you mean! I am experiencing it myself. I hope… No… i know it will get better. Never lose hope!