Made by God

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
Psalm 139:14, NIV*

Verses 13-16 are my theme verses for one of my sons. In that context I believe them wholeheartedly.

This morning, reading Psalm 139 for the second day in a row, I hear the writer’s loving trust, his amazed adoration of this God who is everywhere, who is too big to lose one insignificant human and who cares so much about him.

Reading with that feeling, I can finally apply this verse to myself. It feels like triumph in my spirit, like release from that nagging sense of not measuring up.

I’m seeing the emphasis in a new spot. It’s not about how well I am made. It’s about God who made me.

This makes the difference in being able to accept the verse deep in my spirit. I’m not making boasts about myself. (Canadian self-deprecation won’t allow that!) I’m expressing confidence in my Maker.

Beth Moore began to teach me this in So Long, Insecurity, but these things take a while to stick. I think I get it now.

Loving and meticulous Creator, forgive me for diminishing myself in my mind. People aren’t perfect, but it’s not about us. I confess that attitude as pride: I’ve been putting myself down because I wasn’t what I wanted to be. Help me see that it’s really about You. And I praise You for taking the same care in making me that You did in crafting the vastness of the universe and the hidden intricacies of life in the deepest sea trenches. Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Here’s “He Knows My Name,” by Paul Baloche.

*New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

5 thoughts on “Made by God

  1. jancoxabetterway

    Good morning Janet,
    This is so true. But also know how much we love you and how much we cherish all you do for Him. I see you as an amazing creation of God.
    Blessings to you and I can hardly wait until I see you.
    Praying for a safe flight.
    Jan

    Reply
    1. janetsketchley

      My faith-sister Jan. Your words are like a hug.
      I wasn’t fishing for affirmation, just trying to articulate something that finally clicked. You’re a painter, I do cross-stitch and knit. I’ve understood how we value our creations because of all we’ve put into them, and how reflects a bit of how God feels about us, but what I’m seeing now is the quality and care of His workmanship in us, the detailed and personal touches, testify to our value. I’m still not saying it clearly, but maybe it’s like a hand-stitched quilt: even if I think the pattern isn’t pleasing or the colours what I want, I can look at the care of the stitching, imagine how long it took to craft this, and I see it has great worth.
      Off to pack for Write! Canada!

      Reply
      1. jancoxabetterway

        Oh I knew you weren’t searching for affirmation but I wrote what I felt. I value our friendship and how God brought us together. The three strand cord – powerful for Him. Ramona is in there, too.
        Yes I agree that even in my painting, in which I feel totally inadequate, He can do amazing things. It is in Him I put my trust, my hope and my painting.
        Blessings in all you do,
        Jan

        Reply

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