Finding Hope When Living With Chronic Pain and IllnessSample

You Are Priceless

The Lord will hold you in his hand for all to see—a splendid crown in the hand of God. —Isaiah 62:3

Have you ever seen the discount rack at a store? It often contains out-of-fashion items or clothing with slight flaws. I once bought a shirt with thread a slightly different color on the hem. It really wasn’t noticeable unless you were examining the item closely. However, because it contained a tiny flaw, I was able to purchase the item at a significantly reduced price. The store deemed the top “damaged.”

Friend, have you ever felt damaged? I know I have at times, especially on the days when I’m having a migraine or flare-up in my symptoms. During those moments, my thoughts start firing: “I can’t do what she can do.” “My limitations make me a burden to my loved ones.”

Do similar thoughts ever pop into your head? It’s all too easy to fall into the comparison game, but it never leads to anything positive. Instead, it adds to our insecurity and stress. Thus starts a vicious cycle, ending with increased pain. Sadly, this is an experience many people go through daily.

Can I tell you something? It’s a reminder I need on a regular basis. Those thoughts you tell yourself are lies. They aren’t how God sees you, and that’s not how He wants you to see yourself either! As Isaiah 62:3 states, you are a “splendid crown” in God’s hand—extremely valuable. Crowns are made out of gemstones, which are formed by a great amount of pressure. People are formed in a similar way. The Lord uses your challenges, including your pain, to shape you. And those jewels? They show that one is worthy and has a place of honor. With Your heavenly Father by your side, your beauty and light shine through the One Who holds you. You are a reflection of Him. Nothing you do or don’t do will change His opinion of you. We can rest and release our worry because God chose us to be a part of His crown. Remember that as you look in your mirror today.

Lord, help me to see the potential You see in me. Amen.