I was on an early morning walk last week with my dog enjoying the beautiful view of the mountains and trees, the cool and quiet of the morning, and the smell of Spring. I was reflecting on the beauty of nature and what God created for us. The trees got my attention. Many of them were large, vibrant, sturdy, and majestic with strong root systems that provide the foundation, far beneath the ground. I was thinking about what they are useful for like shade on a hot day, shelter from the elements, a nesting place for the birds, oxygen, and certain varieties produce foods for us to eat. As I considered what they provide for us, I remembered Jesus talked about the kingdom of heaven and that it was like a mustard seed that was sown in the field. Although it is the smallest of seeds, when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and nest in its branches. (See Matthew 13:31-32). This is symbolic of a life planted in the kingdom of God.
I look at how much intricacy the Lord placed in His creation. The variety. The beauty in each thing He created. The purpose. Do we undervalue what He created for us? Do we take the time to look up and see the birds nesting in the big trees or smell the fragrant honeysuckle vine? Do we look at the majestic mountains and thank the Lord for their beauty? Do we see the value in His creation? Do we see the value in ourselves?
As I was reflecting on this, the Lord started to minister to me about value. When it comes to value, the basis of something’s worth is determined by what someone is willing to pay for it. I immediately think of God and the price He was willing to pay for each of us. He was willing to give the thing He had only one of – His Son – to leave His glory in heaven to come to earth as a man and take on the sin and sickness of the world. He took on fallen humanity and gave His life as the sacrifice for our permanent and eternal relationship with the Father. You and I were purchased by the precious blood of His Son, Jesus. He was willing to pay the highest price for you and me! No other price could ever be higher than the Son of God’s life.
When we get a revelation of how valuable we are to Him, shouldn’t that resolve the feelings of insecurity or shame that keep some at arms distance from Him? You could look at this on a global level – that He paid this price for all mankind. That is true. Or you could look at this on a personal level – He paid this price for ME! He paid this price for YOU! That is how much YOU matter to Him.
Understanding our value in God’s eyes will help us see clearly in other areas. In our fast-paced society and culture I believe many people find their value or worth in what they can accomplish or produce in life. There is a place for being a productive member of society, but if we use our worldly success as a barometer of our value, we have it all wrong. Your worth is defined by what God was willing to pay for you!
Let Him minister to you today about what you are worth to Him. Ask Him to reveal to you what He sees in you and your value to Him.
I can tell you that He will not respond with your failures or remind you of all the things you haven’t done. He will love on you and reveal to you the intricate ways He made you and designed you for His good pleasure (Revelation 4:11 KJV). One of the scriptures that ministers to me so much along these lines is Zephaniah 3:17. The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.
This is what God is doing. Rejoicing over YOU with gladness and singing. He is thinking about how much He loves you, and when you come to Him, He sees you as He sees Jesus – beloved, welcome, favored, of the highest value.
Rest in the knowledge of how valuable you are to the Creator. Find your worth in Him, not in your doings. He will make your doings significant when kept in the proper order and submitted to Him.