Reseed

Since you are precious and honored in My sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. Do not be afraid, for I am with you.

Isaiah 43:4-5

First week at a new school. This was hard enough. But when the papers were returned for the spelling test and the most popular girl in the 4th grade slips yours onto your desk face-up, you squirm. You hear the words before you see the grade. “You should be ashamed of yourself.”

The seed is planted.

You’re not good enough. You’ll never be smart enough, pretty enough, popular enough. You’re never enough. In fact, you are less-than, and you always will be.

Our minds can hear 1,000 good things and forget them, but the one negative comment can stick like a smashed bug on our windshield. Everywhere we go, there it is. Everywhere we look, it clouds our lens. We can see our reflection in the glass, but it’s distorted.

Dumb. Ugly. Abused. Abandoned. Forgotten. Dirty. Unwanted. Unplanned. Divorced. Alone. Hopeless.
The longer we live, the more labels get thrown our way. Some come from the outside, others emerge from within.

And the time comes for plowing up those seeds. Replacing them. It may happen gradually, and it may even take a lifetime. But we must find those Bible verses that depict how God sees us, then plant them deep in our minds.

Chosen. Loved. Valued. Destined. Included. Free. Lovely. Forgiven. Gifted. His.
Read them. Listen to them. Write them down. Memorize them. Think on them. And most of all, replace the old lies with these new truths.

Some of those seeds have grown, their tendrils snaking through our lives, always creeping into new territory.

Our minds can get “stuck” in ruts or patterns. It may be time for us to hew some new trails. How will you begin today?

Lord, thank You for Your Word that tells me of Your unfailing love and kindness. Help me identify lies that need to be replaced with Your Truth.

Whitney