I read a devotion today that included a quote from Polish rabbi, Simcha Bunin. Rabbi Bunin said, “Everyone should keep a note in each of their pockets. When feeling slightly full of yourself, you’d pull out the note from your left pocket, which would say, ‘I am nothing but dust and ashes.’ But when feeling low or discouraged, you’d reach into the right pocket, where you’d find the words, ‘The world was created for my sake.’”
We are beginning the season of Lent, and we are reminded of this glorious paradox at the heart of who we are. We are dust AND we are holy. We are a blip on the timeline of the world AND we have eternal life in Christ Jesus.
When we have walked through traumatic events or been victims of abandonment or abuse, our tendency is to think of ourselves as dust. We are replaceable. We are of little value. We could be swept away, and no one would notice or care. The enemy would have us live these lies out in the actions of our life. He questions us and the promises God has made us; tricking us to believe we are less than loved.
That has been his method of trickery since the Garden of Eden. He caused Adam and Eve to question God’s rules, God’s method of protection. When they broke the rules, after God revealed the consequences of their actions, he scooped them up and clothed them with dignity. God has shown his people time and time again that his love for us is far greater than the sin we have committed or the sins that have been committed against us.
During these days, my prayer for each of us is that we would hold onto hope. Let us hold onto the words of Philippians 4:19, “This same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”
You are loved. Despite the choices of your past, you are loved.
You are treasured. Despite the harm this world has done to you, you are treasured.
You are cared for. Despite the neglect you’ve endured, you are cared for.
You are loved. Despite the lies the enemy throws at you, you are loved eternally by our heavenly father. He created you from dust and to dust your body will return. But because of the love of God and the gift of Christ Jesus, you have glorious riches at hand. You have eternal love, protection, and acceptance in God’s family. Remember the least we can do is show up for Him.
You are loved.
