Monday Eye-Opener: Those Insecurities

“Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.” Psalm 143:8 (NLT)

Mornings can be so hard, can’t they? Within seconds after opening our eyes, our vulnerabilities seep in. Sometimes they hit us broadside.

Before you start your week, remember who created you. Remember that His grace created you anew when you believed in Him, so that you could glorify Him and encourage others.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

Remember that you are therefore beautiful. Yes, you. His grace fills His new creation with beauty that shines from within. Abeauty that can’t be surpassed and that will never fade.

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV)

Finally, remember to share the news of His goodness with others!

“I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart and tell about the wonders you have worked.” Psalm 9:1 (CEV)

Monday Eye-Opener: Chosen by Him

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will.” Ephesians 1:3-5 (NASB)

Admittedly, this is a loaded Scripture passage for a Monday Eye-Opener. I’ve listened to wonderful sermons that focus on just one of these verses. But I wanted to share several phrases that stand out for me this morning — especially on the day of the week that usually seems the most daunting.

“He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world” (v. 4) Now that’s enough right there. Even before He created the world, He wanted to bless us. The word “chose” has a wonderful, telling Greek meaning: “to pick out for myself. Even before He created the world, He wanted to create us (you!) for Himself. He already knew He loved us and wanted us.

“In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will.” (v. 4-5) In Christ, we are adopted as children of God. It was love that drove Him to call us His own. It was an act of His will or — according to the Greek origin — His desire.

So let that sink in as you pour that second cup of coffee.

You are wanted and loved. God knew this before there was a planet Earth, let alone before He met you. You are His precious child.

Keep that thought front and center as you start the week.