Loved & Cherished: A 5-Day Devotional for GirlsSample

WHO ARE YOU?

What words would you use to describe yourself? Some days you might answer with a list of all kinds of good words. Funny, kind, generous, joyful, helpful, patient. But other days . . . not so much. The way we feel about ourselves can go up and down faster than that roller coaster you bravely hopped on last summer! 

I don’t know about you, but for me, that whole up-and- down thing is exhausting. Feeling great about myself one day and crummy the next isn’t fun at all. But what is a girl to do when her feelings shove her around like that? Feelings are so powerful, and very convincing too! 

While we can’t pretend feelings don’t exist, I don’t want them to control my life. When I’m feeling sad, mad, happy, angry, or fearful, I want to know that underneath all my feelings, there is also truth that I can hang onto. Truth I can tell my heart so that I am not stuck in my feelings. 

That truth is: No matter what happens to me today and no matter what comes my way, I am loved. Period. I am crazy, madly, overwhelmingly loved by God. And His love for me is bigger than any feelings that try to control me. 

In John 17:23 (NIV), Jesus is talking to Father God and He says, “Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” God loves you as much as He loves Jesus. Isn’t that simply amazing? 

It might take us a while to grasp just how deep, unconditional, and perfect this love of God is. I mean, we’ve never seen anything like it before. So let’s keep reading His word so our hearts and minds can take in this truth and believe it! 

Living Cherished

Say out loud: “God loves me just like He loves Jesus. And His love for me is bigger than the feelings that try to control me.” Now write down some ways you can remind your- self that you are so loved! 

Talking with God

God, Your love really is amazing. Thank You for loving me on my good days and bad days, and for helping me overcome my negative feelings. In Jesus’ name, amen.