A friend said some unkind words that left me hurt and discouraged. As I reflected in the early hours of the morning, the night began to break. The sky illuminated a single pink cloud.
Be still and know that I am God.
It was as if God whispered, “You are not those things your friend said. I know who are. You are a child of mine, the one true King. You are loved. You are cherished.”
Did my friend’s words come from a place of hurt? They did. But I am not the ugly words that were spoken that day.
If I called you a chair, it probably wouldn’t hurt you a bit. Why? Because you know you’re not a chair. When I give people the power to define my worth by their words, my emotions are left to the whim of those around me. You say I’m a chair? Well, good, bad or indifferent, I must be a chair.
But, when I find my value in who God says I am, the words of broken people don’t ring true. I can step back from the situation and see they are coming from a place of their own pain. My emotions stay on solid ground.
I wish I could say I no longer get hurt by people’s words. I’m a work in progress. But I am finding the more I park my mind on the truth of who God says I am, my heart has developed a bubble around it. Fiery arrows fall to the ground, unable to penetrate it.
I have a sheet someone gave me in Sunday School so long ago, it was typed on a typewriter. I’ve kept it because it’s a reminder of the truth of who I am. I’d love to share it with you. Please click on the “Who Am I” link below. If you know who wrote it, please let me know. I’d love to give them credit.
Your post tore my heart out. How anyone could say anything unkind about you (especially a friend), is unthinkable. You are the most tenderhearted, caring person I’ve ever known. You would never do anything on purpose to hurt anyone. I am so blessed by your response to this hurtful person. You are such an example of a woman totally given over to God. Your trust in Him, and your willingness to rise above the hurtful words blessed my heart.
I recently heard a sermon where the Pastor said that mean words go deep into our heart and wound us. They are more painful than a physical wound, but no one sees them. They are a weapon of Satan and he loves to use them against God’s children.
Thank you for your godly response those arrows Satan shot at you. Thank you for sharing from your heart, and encouraging those of us who have felt the arrows of Satan, and for reminding us of who we are in Christ.
Thanks for sharing. Your Pastor’s sermon reminds me of the childhood saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” What a lie we believed. I think because we live in a fallen world, we will hurt and experience hurt. I’m thankful God defines who we are and not other people.
Beautiful. <3
This is TRUTH! How much peace we all would have if we focus on who we are in God’s eyes. What He did for us, in submitting to the cross! I hope you find your note writer.