I woke up this morning to the sweet voice of my not-quite-three-year-old belting out Jesus Loves Me. There’s something so simple, innocent, and touching about hearing a child sing.
I admire her for always waking up with a song in her heart.
I admire her for the many ways she teaches me. Like with this simple act of singing Jesus Loves Me. I was convicted. How many times do I wake up in the morning without a song in my heart? How many mornings do I wake up feeling sorry for myself? How many times do I jump right out of bed without spending time in the Word? How many times do I doubt God’s goodness?
But the first thing out of her mouth was a praise and confidence in Jesus promise to love her.
Proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night. – Psalm 92:2
In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch. Psalm 5:3
Confession: Sometimes I don’t feel like I matter.
Satan sure is good at getting me to believe that. Push those thoughts away and rest in God’s promises:
3 Reasons You Matter
Reason 1: Jesus Died for You
You’ve heard it over and over again, but have you ever sat and thought about what that means? Who would you die for? Your kids? Your parents?
Have you ever thought about what it might feel like to have nails pounded into your flesh? He didn’t even beg them to stop.
Then..he hung there, with gravity stretching and pulling, ripping, and threatening to drop him to the ground. He still didn’t complain.
Instead, he was thinking of you. He wept for you. He didn’t want to leave you in this world. It hurt him so much that he left behind his Holy Spirit to be with you, to live in you.
I don’t know about you, but I can’t help but sit here and cry as I become overwhelmed by the fact that my face, my name, was in his thoughts while he was hanging there…
Your life matters.
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. John 15:16
Reason 2: God Has a Purpose for Your Life
I know this isn’t news for you either. Finding your purpose is one of the most difficult challenges for people. If you’re in the middle of struggling to find your purpose, read my post on Finding Your Purpose.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11
If you’re struggling to find your purpose, just focus on loving people. You’ll find that through loving others, God will reveal your purpose, even if only one day at a time.
Reason 3: You’re Sowing Seeds
There have been times in my life when I’ve looked back and seen the seeds I had planted that grew into amazing fruit. When you take the focus off yourself and on to others, you’ll be surprised to find how much purpose you have, even if God hasn’t revealed a specific plan. Don’t underestimate any deed, any kind word, or any effort to love others. You never know the impact it will have on another person’s life.
I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. – 1 Corinthians 3:6-8
Even as I write these words, I know God is yearning for you to move closer to Him so He can whisper in your ear and tell you just how amazing, beautiful, and special you are. He’s waiting for you to have the childlike faith to wake up singing Jesus Loves Me.
Lord, I pray that those who read this will press closer to you. You never move away, you never leave, and you’re always waiting for us to lean our ear so you can remind us just how precious we are. Remind these precious women that you created them for a purpose beyond their imaginations. Give them childlike faith that you will fulfill your promise to them and give them a joy that makes them wake up praising you.