inferiority – Freed to Fly

It’s so sad to see summer slowly creeping away. The flowers aren’t as vibrant. The birds are fewer at the bird feeder. I hear less songs. Even when the birds do sing, they sound less enthused.

I wonder… Is that why I feel dull and gloomy? Is that why I can’t seem to string two thoughts together to make sense? Is that why I feel so empty of something worthwhile to write?

Or maybe it’s the enemies – insecurity and inferiority – that are disrupting my thoughts and choking the words that want to come up.

It can be a continuing struggle sometimes. I compare myself with others and start thinking I’m not good enough or not doing enough to make a difference. Since I do better with my health in a quiet routine at home, I’m often at home. I hear of others doing volunteer work and so much service for others, and I feel inadequate.

Then I have to stop myself. Again. If I base my adequacy on what I do and how much I do, I have the wrong foundation. I don’t have to do more or do some great thing to make myself more special or enough in Jesus’ eyes. I am special just to be loved by Him. To be His child. My foundation will always crumble into a heap if it is not Jesus and His love for me.

And that love endures forever. It never gets dull but stays as vibrant as ever. It never dies. Seasons in our lives or our emotions may change, but Jesus’ love never will.

“His love endures forever.”
Psalm 136 – 26 times

Even though the flowers fade away, the birds take flight, and butterflies migrate south, that doesn’t mean God leaves. He is still here and always will be. No matter what.

I love spring and summer since the new life in creation displays God and His faithfulness and tender loving care. But every season shows evidence of His grace and power if only I open my eyes to it. The sun still faithfully comes up each day. The fall brings its glorious display of color. The winter snow falls so white and clean as it sings of God’s pure grace in washing away the blackness of our hearts and making them whiter than the snow. No matter what season it is, God is still here.

We don’t even have to look outside to see His creation. We are His creation, made by Him and for Him. Our every breath comes from Him. Every good thing that comes to us is given by Him. Our every hope hangs on Him. We cannot do one thing without Him. sunrise 2 - Glen

(My son took this sunrise photo.)

I need to enjoy every moment the flowers yet bloom and every bird that still comes instead of focusing on when they’re all gone again. And even when the blooms die out, I need to remember that Jesus’ love still blooms and will forever. No matter what season it is or what circumstances surround me. I just need to sit at His feet and open my heart. To believe what He says – that I am enough, valued, and significant in Him. To believe how much He loves me. To listen to His whispers of love and grace. To trust His guidance to lead me wherever He wants me to go.

Are you wilting in dejection? Jesus is still here for you. No matter what season of life you are going through, He is here. Rest in His love. His grace. His goodness. He can raise your wilting head. His love still blooms for you. Rest assured that His love will never wilt or die but will carry you through this life’s journey, no matter what happens. And through Him, you can bloom to spread His beauty to the lives of those around you.

“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you;
He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:8

“One Thing Remains”
by Jesus Culture