I Matter

There are times when I was a kid that I didn’t feel like I mattered to anyone. I know my parents loved me and they provided for me, but they didn’t understand some of the pain I was in. I had a low self-esteem. I was living off their faith and not my own. I didn’t always understand God. I was a mess but I often looked like I had it all together.

I went to a youth convention and heard a preacher say: “I matter to God and that’s all that matters to me”. That was a profound thought. The first part settled into my heart. I mattered to God. He knew how many hairs I have on my head. He knows my inward thoughts. He loves me. He cares for me. That thought really spun me around.

As I was reading Elihu’s rebuke of Job this morning, I was a bit put out with his points. He pretty much says that none of us matter to God. God will be just fine with or without me. Check this out…

4 ‘I would like to reply to you

    and to your friends with you.

5 Look up at the heavens and see;

    gaze at the clouds so high above you.

6 If you sin, how does that affect him?

    If your sins are many, what does that do to him?

7 If you are righteous, what do you give to him,

    or what does he receive from your hand?

8 Your wickedness only affects humans like yourself,

    and your righteousness only other people. (Job 35:4-8 NIV)

I believe God enjoys a personal relationship with His created ones – like me. He wired us for relationship with Him. As I journey through His Word, I realized His heart is for me. He loves me deeply. He loves me like no one else. The longer I walk with Him on this earth the deeper our relationship grows. I’ve been angry with God and I’m pretty sure He’s been angry with me. I live in a constant state of repentance before Him, because I’m so imperfect and sometimes downright stupid in my decisions. I am so thankful for His amazing patience with me. He gives me grace when I should receive death. He gives me mercy when I should receive punishment. He inspires me to keep seeking Him. He encourages me when I’m discouraged. He lifts my head when I get down. I’ve never ever had a relationship with someone like Him. He is all I need. I’m thankful that He provides other relationships that enrich my life. He teaches me about Himself through these other relationships. I’m so thankful that I matter to God – that matters most to me!

Pressing On!

Dwayne