Remember, you are fearfully and wonderfully made
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
What a beautiful thing it is to know that we are loved beyond love.
These verses provide some beautiful imagery, highlighting how our very existence on this earth is the culmination of the Lord weaving together every miracle that led to our births. It is a reminder of how deeply the Lord knows and loves us – and that each and every thing that occurs in our life is a part of His divine plan for our good. And perhaps more importantly, these verses should serve as a reminder that we are perfect exactly as we are.
Now, I am not saying that we should not strive to be better; quite the opposite actually! We should be striving each and every single day to be better versions of ourselves in the Lord, but the key words here are “of ourselves.” We are made special and unique for a reason! And the mix of way we were raised, when we were raised, and our experiences, and our cultures, and our everything is what makes us the versions of ourselves that exist today. But you cannot force yourself to be a different person. You cannot hate yourself into a version of yourself that you will love. You can grow and learn and gain wisdom and experience, but remember to be YOU. The you that was fearfully and wonderfully made.
Often, things we dislike about ourselves are actually our best features. You may think you are too loud and talkative – but to others you are a bright, friendly warmth in a cloudy, stormy day. Alternatively, you may chastise yourself for being too quiet and reserved, while those who know you may adore the deep, thoughtful consideration you provide to everything. Trust that the God that created the heavens and the earth, and everything within them, who also created you, knows what He was doing. Grow? YES! But never lose sight of yourself – of the you that was knit in your mother’s womb, of the you that is loved beyond love.
Lord, thank you for the gift of life and the opportunity to worship you in all that I do. Thank you for reminding me of how I am created in your image, and how it is you that guides all of my steps. Lord, I pray that you strengthen my faith and that you direct me in your perfect ways. Keep me safe and help me as I grow in my walk with you. I love you.
