Self-acceptance
and being accepted by others is vital to maintain our self-worth and a positive
attitude. While we know this is true, at
times we still have feelings of little or no self-worth. Studies have brought out that one step in
developing one’s self-worth is the need to excel in something; to feel
successful; to experience growth. If a
person stops growing, he begins to decline.
Often
times, especially as we get older, we may feel that our usefulness is
declining. We may find ourselves wondering,
“Where am I going?” “Who is the real
me?” “What is my purpose in life?” “What
Am I Here For?”
Perhaps we have put in years of service to the
Lord; teaching God’s Word, ministering to the sick, conducting Bible studies,
doing mission work and other works in the church. At the same time, we were raising our
families and trying to live an example for them. Then, sooner than we realized, they had their
roots and they had tested their wings.
They now are giving their little ones roots, and that is as it should
be.
But
then, slowly, we find ourselves adrift.
We realize we have lost our sense of direction, our identity, and our
inner (true) self. We are not the same
person we used to be. We have spent
years doing and being what others wanted.
We have been controlled by what we think is expected of us. It may be that sometimes we hardly recognize
ourselves. Maybe we feel that we have no
control over our lives, and even wonder if God is still at the helm.
Two of our most basic needs in life are hope and
direction. For many of us the question
in our mind now, is to figure out what it is that we’re supposed to be doing at
this stage of our life. We need
direction.
If we want to continue to grow instead of
decline, we must find new ways to use our energies and talents. Like muscles,
our talents will be lost if they are not used and developed. (Matthew 25:14-30) We have a responsibility to God and to
ourselves never to remain stagnant.
“What am I here for?” To answer this question we must seek God’s help in understanding
ourselves and the way in which we are to go.
David’s plea in Psalm 143:8(b) – “Cause me to
know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You.”
What is self- worth?
Prayer
Requests: ____________________________________________________________