Inside and Out

You have looked deep into my heart, Lord,

and you know all about me.

Psalm 139:1 (CEV)

From the time he created the very first cell in your body, God set your genetic plans into motion. Inside each cell is your unique DNA, which identifies your characteristics: your eye and hair colors, the size of your big toe, whether or not you’ll have a good singing voice or athletic ability, or the amazing natural talent to flip water bottles on the first try.

God created you on purpose and he loves what he created.

Do you? Or do you think he got it wrong? When you think of your oily skin or difficulty with math or even your gender—do you ever wonder if the God of the universe made a mistake?

As a young person trying to figure out life, it’s tempting to feel that way. Self-hatred runs rampant in this selfie world. It’s hard to know who you really are.

God knows. He sees deep into the hidden parts of you. He knows the desires, talents, emotions, and weaknesses you don’t understand about yourself. He also sees the future and why he made you the way he did! So, when you find it difficult to understand who you are, go to your Creator. Go to the one who understands you inside and out. Ask him to show you his purpose, his plan, his love. And then trust that he will do it and confidently show your unique self to the world!

SPIRITUAL FITNESS TRAINING

God knows you so well because he created you and loves you. Each quirky characteristic is part of his awesome plan. Survey your friends and family to find out who God gave the fun and weird characteristics below!

• Can whistle.
• Is double-jointed in their thumb or elbow.
• Can roll their tongue.
• Can wiggle their ears.
• Can raise one eyebrow.
• Can fold their tongue into a cloverleaf shape.

INSPIRATION

“Even the weakest and most vulnerable, the sick, the old, the unborn and the poor, are masterpieces of God’s creation, made in his own image.”

—Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church and Bishop of Rome

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help you expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Isaiah 64:8

Psalm 139:2–4

Matthew 10:29–31

Romans 8:27