Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
Many of us are familiar with the voice of the tyrant inside, telling us that in a hundred different ways, we don’t measure up. But how many of us have heard the voice of God which is gentle and tender and healing? Listen to these words to get a sense of this, “He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul” Psalm 23:2-3.
So instead of the message that we are not OK as we are, especially in the context of this series on beauty and body image, what does God say to us?
First, did you know that your face, your hair, your body and every inch of you is deliberate and handcrafted? That you were in the mind and the heart of God before you ever came to be? Listen to this incredible and beautiful verse, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you” Jeremiah 1:5. I knew you, God says to us. That speaks of our uniqueness, our value to Him. I formed you, He says to us. That speaks of His purpose in our design, that we are each custom made by Him!
It’s as if many of us feel we have to spend our lives compensating for ‘flaws’ we see in the mirror, the things we dislike about ourselves, but this is not true. God tells us that He Himself fashioned us! For me that means all of our quirks and loveliness, everything about us, is no surprise to Him. That He delights in our creation and we are “marvellous” as His works of art!
What I find so healing about this is that it gives me license to accept myself as I am, and even more, to be thankful. Instead of there being this yardstick I am forced to measure myself against, I can relax and even genuinely enjoy the way God has made me. Before, it was a case of “the thighs have to go!” Now, it’s “God knew what He was doing, YAY!”
And it’s not just that He has purpose for the way each of us is designed – it’s that that design is wonderful He says. Wonderful and marvellous even. These are the words God uses. Not wonderful and marvellous because we dropped two dress sizes and look like we belong on a catwalk, wonderful and marvellous because we are His workmanship – just as we are! We can learn to define ourselves in this way too!
And one other way we are described by God? As fearfully made. “Fearfully” in this sense means full of awe or reverence. Wow, that means that the way God has made us is something to be in awe of, and deeply respectful about. What a huge contrast to the message that taunts from the pages of women’s magazines that we simply don’t measure up!
“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.… I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvellous are Your works … My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret, and skilfully wrought … Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed” Psalm139: 13-16.
beautiful. Thanks for that Birgit. Definitely will bookmark & come back to this one!!!!!!!
I really love this post B. It came at a much needed time in my life. And I have sensed that acceptance from Him and just the process He went through to create us as I watch the formation and growth of my baby. Praise God. His works are marvelous and we are fearfully and wonderfully made; precious in His sight.
Love you!
That’s so good Randi, YAY! Love and blessings
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Hi G, it is such a powerful thing you mention here about experiencing acceptance in God, and coming to the knowledge that He Himself has purposed us. How special that is.
So often when I have felt insecure about one thing or another God has comforted, challenged and encouraged me with this Word -“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you” Jeremiah 1:5. It brings such peace and such security knowing that each of us is so special in His eyes.
Lots of love to you friend, and to your little one xo