Jesus, Lover of my soul…

As I was reading ‘Daily Bread' one meditation on Leah caught my attention. We read about Leah in Genesis 29. Peter Chin says that Leah longed for the love of her husband Jacob which is reflected in the names of her first three sons. Their names tell a remarkable story! She called her first son Reuben saying, "The LORD has surely looked on my affliction. Now, therefore, my husband will love me(v32)." She called her second son Simeon saying, "Because the LORD has heard that I am unloved, He has therefore given me this son also(v33)." When she conceived again and bore another son, she called him Levi saying, "Now this time my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons(v34)." Sadly, there is no indication that Jacob ever loved Leah for he loved Rachel. But when Leah conceived again and bore a son, she turned her attention to God calling him Judah saying, "Now I will praise the LORD(v35)." God blessed Leah. Of all the twelve tribes, God chose Levi to serve Him as priests and Jesus chose to come in the line of Judah! Indeed, a double blessing!

All of us long for love and acceptance from the people around us. We try to get significance or self-worth through what others think of us. The criticism and lack of appreciation we face every day, only makes us believe that we are worthless and useless! But for a believer, our true identity comes from the Lord. Our self-worth comes from knowing that we are children of God because He has chosen each one of us by name. The Bible says in Galatians 4:7, "Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son (daughter), … then an heir of God through Christ". Romans 8:16 says, "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." So, we can boldly come to His throne of Grace and call Him ‘Abba Father.' Our identity must be in Christ for He has redeemed us and made us His sons and daughters. It is God who has blessed each one of us with different talents, skills, and abilities. But each one of us is special in our own way!

My friend, our self-worth is not from social media or friends and family. It is only from the Lord who chose to give His very life for us on the Cross. Do not be discouraged. Look to the Lord, and He will bless you!

Categories: Weekly DevotionalsAuthor: Hephzibah StephenDate: 5th February 2019 Share: newsletterDisplay date: 6th February 2019

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