In the book of Genesis, we are given an account of creation.
In this account, God speaks creation into being.
In a matter of six days, the universe and all its complexities became.
According to Genesis, it wasn’t a slow process. Or even an intricate one.
He said, “Let there be light.”
And BAM! Just like that, there was light.
He said, “Let there be land and animals and birds and fish.”
And BAM! Just like there, there was land and animals and birds and fish.
It speaks of God’s power and His might and His absolute authority.
Creation does not have to be a process. Not for Him.
But sometimes it is…..
The other day I had out my Bible, the amplified version. This is what I get out when I’m feeling discouraged or lost, and need that extra something-something to open my eyes and help me see. The amplified version doesn’t just translate a Hebrew or Greek word into one English word, it uses multiple. If the Hebrew word connotes joy AND peace, the amplified version doesn’t choose between the two. It uses both.
I don’t remember where I started, but I do remember where I ended.
Psalm 139.
And what I found filled my heart to overflowing.
My name was not hidden from You when I was being formed in secret and intricately and curiously wrought…..
Wait for it.
AS IF EMBROIDERED WITH VARIOUS COLORS.
Okay, so I don’t know a whole lot about embroidery, but I do know that the process is not a quick one.
Embroidery is intricate work that takes time and immense attention to detail.
How amazing, that the God who SPOKE the world into existence, the God who could create us quicker than it would take to snap a finger, chose to embroider us instead.
And as if that’s not enough, we have verse 16.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance, and in Your book, ALL the days of my life were written before ever they took shape, when as yet there was none of them.
God literally took my breath with this vision of Him, the creator of the universe, watching every moment of my life unfold as He embroidered me with care. Every mountain top moment and every valley. The long seasons of drought and the seasons of abundant rain. The college I would go to and the man I would marry and the books I would write and the children I would call mine. ALL the days were written BEFORE any of them came to be. Nothing that comes my way is a surprise to Him. There is no twist or turn that catches Him off guard.
He already saw it all, when He was embroidering me.
It reminded me of Ephesians 2:10.
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Let those words sink in for a minute. Let them fill you with awe.
Good things.
Before the beginning of time, He gave us good things to accomplish.
How easy it is to lose track of those things when we let the world call worthless what He has already declared BEAUTIFUL.
How easy it is to fall into discouragement, or even despair, when we forget that we are not just seen, but loved by an Almighty God.
After all, if not one sparrow falls without Him knowing, how much more does He see and love us—the bearers of His image?
Let’s Talk: What helps you remember your worth and value when you’re feeling worthless and devalued?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Giveaway Time!
Every Monday, from now until its release on April 15, I’m giving away an autographed copy of A Broken Kind of Beautiful. Congratulations to last week’s winner, Diane from up north! Be sure to click Already Follow or Already Like to maximize your entries . To keep shipping costs down, I can only ship within the United States. Thanks for understanding!
Fashion is a fickle industry, a frightening fact for twenty-four year old model Ivy Clark. Ten years in and she’s learned a sacred truth—appearance is everything. Nobody cares about her broken past as long as she looks beautiful for the camera. This is the only life Ivy knows—so when it starts to unravel, she’ll do anything to hold on. Even if that means moving to the quaint island town of Greenbrier, South Carolina, to be the new face of her stepmother’s bridal wear line—an irony too rich for words, since Ivy is far from the pure bride in white.
If only her tenuous future didn’t rest in the hands of Davis Knight, her mysterious new photographer. Not only did he walk away from the kind of success Ivy longs for to work maintenance at a local church, he treats her differently than any man ever has. Somehow, Davis sees through the façade she works so hard to maintain. He, along with a cast of other characters, challenges everything Ivy has come to believe about beauty and worth. Is it possible that God sees her—a woman stained and broken by the world—yet wants her still?
To pre-order A Broken Kind of Beautiful, scroll down to the buy links at the bottom of this page.
Also, don’t miss the Spring into Romance Giveaway, hosted by me, Becky Wade, Dani Pettrey, Rachel Hauck, Ronie Kendig, and Lynette Eason! Hop on over and enter to win one of SIX prizes.
Many things remind me of my worth including: other people; the Bible; reminders like your posts; my therapists; affirming women and people in life; knowledge that I am worthwhile; thinking about contributions; It’s a Wonderful Life
I have not read any of your books yet, but I am looking forward to starting, your blogs are very inspirational, and deep thinking, which makes me think deeply, so thank you, Stephanie McCreight.
Several things life me up when I need encouragement: listening to praise and worship music, corresponding with my sisters-in-Christ, scripture, and prayer!!
I would love to read “A Broken Kind of Beautiful”, Katie!! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy, and also the beautiful blog post!!
Reading in Scripture all the great promises about who we are in Christ, like those in Ephesians. Those are wonderful reminders that I am loved and chosen and so much more. I am looking forward to reading A Broken Kind of Beautiful!
Katie, such a beautiful post, thank you. I have beautiful people around me and the blessing of being able to pray at any time of the day or night if I ever doubt my self worth.
Such a wonderful message and affirmation of our worth in God’s eyes.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful post, Katie! God’s word, as well as the wonderful people in my life, are a daily reminder of my worth!
It’s usually something outside of myself the reminds me of my worth, whether it is a friend, a quote or picture quote, a line from a song, a video. There are countless things that help. I struggle with clinical chronic depression and have to look for positive daily to combat the bad thoughts. It’s a struggle but it’s posts like yours and books that help remind me. 🙂 thank you forsharing this post.:)
Thank you for this beautiful reminder from the psalms . The only way for me to find my worth is through prayer and reading the Bible I also have a few devotionals I turn to.
I have always felt like I was worthless.I get so mad for allowing people to have this power over me.I can find my worth by knowing that God loves me and that he made me.So I know I am worth something to HIM.Thanks for sharing your post.
You are worth SO MUCH to Him, Jackie!! Hold on to that today, sister!
What helps me find my worth?…Digging into the Word and remembering what God thinks of me.
What helps me to remember is thinking about how God made me, so intricately weaved together. How I asm his child.
Love your encouragement and your giveaways!
This book sounds intriguing–has some interesting depth which is what I look for in fiction. Can’t wait to read it!
Every time I think about how much my own daddy loves me I know that God loves me SO much more. It’s hard to comprehend that amount of love but it gives security and peace beyond measure.
Loved reading your comments. Would like to read your book.
Katie, i am excited about your new book as Psalms 139 has always been a precious verse for me. It held when i felt so alone and hurting. Looking forward to your new book. May God fill you with stories, he wants to share.
Awesome encouragement, Katie! Thank you. I’m in the middle of an ARC of A Beautiful Kind of Broken and am finding it captivating. I would love to win a copy.
The Lord has helped me remember that I am a child of the King of Kings!
A lot of times when I read things like this post, that is what reminds me of my worth. Thank you. Your book looks wonderful.
I’m so glad God used this post to encourage you, Susan!
Sounds like a great book and the wonderful message !
Thanks for the lovely giveaway !
I always remember God’s Faithfulness in the past when I am feeling worthless & devalued
Scripture is what helps me to remember my value and worth when I’m feeling discouraged. My boys can often be great encourages, as well. Thanks for your post. It is a lovely reminder, too, and definitely food for thought.
Goodness! I had this nice long comment all typed up and it lost it somewhere out in cyberspace! Oh, well. I shall just start over. :
Thank you so much for sharing Katie! I really needed this today. As soon as I got out of bed this morning, the enemy began attacking me, telling me all the lies I unfortunately let myself believe for far too long.
When I start struggling with my self worth, I turn on some music: More Beautiful You by Jonny Diaz, Father’s Eyes by Mark Schultz, More by Matthew West, Masterpiece by Kerrie Roberts, Gold by Britt Nicole, and Spoken For by MercyMe, to name a few.
Then I start praying, something along the lines of, “Father, please help me. I feel like I’m drowning in the enemy’s lies. I know all the right things to say, that I am precious and Your creation. Today, that is just so hard to believe. Please help those truths to actually sink in today, to be more than words on a page. I am Your creation, I am Your child. I am one You call “beloved,” and no lies can ever change that. You say that I am priceless, worth more than gold or precious stones, that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Father, today I make the choice to believe that, regardless of what this world is trying to tell me. Thank You for loving me during my insecurities, doubts, and fears. Thank You for reminding me of Your truths, of who I am in You. Amen.”
Oops! I obviously wasn’t kidding about long! Sorry. I didn’t realize how long winded that was going to be. I would have shortened it, had I known. 🙂
Sarah – no need to apologize! I absolutely loved reading this comment! So much truth!
I would love to have a chance to win this book!
It’s so wonderful to know that when we feel nobody around us understands us, there is One who knows every detail because He is the One who made us the way we are. Thank You, Lord!
This sounds like a wonderful book that is so important for young ladies to read. I would love to read this book and share it with my teenage daughters.
Thinking of my parents and all they taught me. Remembering their words and knowing they raised me right. Knowing they are watching and are always near me. I could never be worthless or of no value in their eyes.
This book sounds incredible. Would love to share this with the ladies at church. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
Uplifting music always helps me feel my worth.
Loved your blog on made in His image and how God embroiders our lives. Romans 8:28 is my life verse. I’d love to read your book. God bless.
Let’s talk answer: I go who I am in Christ! I have read and re-read Neil Anderson’s “Who I Am In Christ” and have put all the scripture/statements (I am accepted, I am forgiven etc) on little cards and sit and go through them. Often I pray them over my kids/husband. Ps 139 is often a starting point then end with John 3:16! He does love us so and wants us to know Him! Thanks so much!
Love that, Chris!
Gosh I would love to win this book and then share it with my daughters (almost 19 and 21!) Just the message I am trying to share with them . . . esp. how a man should treat her! : ) Thanks for the opportunity!
Would love to read this book