As humans, it is easy to battle with insecurities. Perhaps you are struggling with life circumstances or having a hard time pinpointing your worth. Either way, it can be quite challenging to overcome. Trust me, I understand. For years, I have struggled seeing my true worth. It's not uncommon that I am disappointed when I look in the mirror or compare myself to others as I pass them in the hall. I often catch myself wondering if my friends actually want me around realizing over and over again that people will fail you; people will typically choose themselves over you. Along those lines, when you are thirsting for that love and acceptance, others will hurt, betray, or leave you without turning around to ask if you’re okay. And what about those times where your anxieties take over-- the ones that make you feel like skipping meals and hiding in your room for hours in fear of being the outcast? Then immediately putting yourself down inquiring why you are this way. Despite the war you face, they will be a constant reminder of the broken world we live in. Unfortunately, these thoughts probably won’t disappear overnight. However, these things do not define us. That being said, I have something to tell you:

You are loved. Yes, others will forget to keep in contact or won’t recognize when you are hurting. But, we are human; we make mistakes. If others knew exactly how you felt, they would, in most circumstances, try to help. Thankfully, even if you do not have that person in your life, there is one who loves you more than you could ever imagine; he would be, as Chris Tomlin’s song is entitled, “A Good Good Father” in a way that would send his beloved son, Jesus Christ, to redeem those who trust in Him and “adopt us as sons for his purpose” (Ephesians 1:5).

You are valuable. God created you in HIS image. He formed you, as Psalms 139 reveals, “fearfully and wonderfully”. Like clay, he molded you into who he wanted you to be (Isaiah 64:8). You are, as I learned at Emmaus, his masterpiece -- his poem (in Greek). And God doesn’t make mistakes.

You are unique. Every person, yourself included, has an identity. We all have gifts, talents, and various personalities. Within you are things that make you who you are. For instance, while your neighbor may have music abilities, you may be great at teaching. Contrary to what society may say, both are significant. To illustrate this, think of the human body. Within it are a variety of parts with different functions. Yet, they are a crucial part of the entire human to work properly. Scripture supports this idea of many aspects of the body. As we become one in Christ, we will become one body with many members; we will have a variety of gifting but be of equal importance -- to glorify God. Therefore, as the neighbor analogy expressed, whether you are the one on the stage or in the classroom is not the key but rather that you’re using the essence of who you are and your spiritual gifting for his glory.

You have worth. You may not see it, but God does. Despite our failing flesh, he loves us unconditionally. He found worth in all -- the poor or those in a “lower” social class, the broken and the weak. Christ took on death so that you may live; he became flesh, being fully God yet fully man, to heal, teach, and eventually suffer to the point of death for His sake so that you may have everlasting life if you believe in Him. What shows your worth more than that? Nothing. And that is the greatest gift of all.

Do not misunderstand me, no matter who you are, we will all fall short. We will mess up, and, through this broken world, will still struggle with having a corrupt image of ourselves. In other words, life won’t become easy. Due to our sinful nature, we deserve an eternity separated from God. We are not worthy of this love yet receive it through his sacrificial mercy -- “dying for us as we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8).

Being a Christian won’t erase the pain on this earth; you will still face trials and anxieties. This life is not perfect so you will still battle against the flesh. You will still get those breakdowns and fight against your low self-esteem. However, on the other hand, these issues won't define who you are. Instead, you will be defined through Christ. God won’t get rid of the bad things that happen to you, per say, but through those trials, you will see the need of a Savior and, hopefully, trust that his plan for you is greater than yours (even through suffering).

Simply, I tell you this. In God’s perspective, we are seen as his beautiful creation. Regardless of our our self-doubts, he formed us; we were given a variety of personalities and abilities. Even with the wickedness of sin, God can use us. But, only through Christ can we have the hope of a new body being able to put on the new self while becoming one in Him and count us as righteous. With that, we can then use our hurdles as a testimony to show the world how majestic he truly is.

You were not a mistake.

You have worth.

Barrett, Pat, and Tony Brown. Good Good Father. Chris Tomlin. Ed Cash, Jeremy Edwardson, Ross Copperman, 2015. CD.

ESV Bible: The Personal Reference Edition. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2001. Print.