Just As I Am- An Inspirational Devotional

There is a friend I find so faithful

One who never leaves my side,

One who knows of all my secrets-

One from whom I cannot hide.

One who doesn’t need perfection

One who takes me as I am,

Rejoicing over me with singing-

He who is my biggest fan!

 

He who transforms tears and heartache

Using them for greater good,

He who is my Source of comfort-

Calming me where none else could.

 

There is a friend I find so faithful

One who never leaves my side-

One who loves me like no other

He is my compass and my guide.

One who doesn’t need perfection

One who takes my messes too,

And welcomes me with arms wide open,

Transforming old to make me New.

 

© Rebekah Ann Stephenson 2014

 

 

Have you ever had a day where you just felt like a mess inside or out?  Have you ever felt unworthy or unlovable as a result?  

 

There are days when I feel a mess on the outside.  Some days I am tired, worn out or stressed for whatever reason.  Not enough sleep, doing too much, or sometimes not feeling like I am doing Enough.   I haven’t taken a shower yet, my hair is a mess, I am not wearing any makeup and upon catching my reflection in the mirror I look at myself with disapproval (feeling rather icky).  Some days that outer messiness is matched by how I feel on the inside.  You know, those imperfect parts of ourselves that we try to hide, lest we appear undesirable?  Heaven knows, I can be my own worst critic and I bet you can relate.

 

What if I told you there was someone who doesn’t care if you are a mess?  Someone who already knows and sees everything about you and despite all of your imperfections loves you deeply anyway?  Someone with whom you don’t have to pretend with.  You could be a size 2 or a 20, He wouldn’t mind.  He doesn’t care if you are ill, disabled, or falling apart.  No matter what mistakes you have made, what oddities or quirks you have, if you are disheveled or put together, an emotional wreck, angry, crying, or hurt or damaged inside, He is willing to take on your baggage and does not run for the hills when you let it all out.

I don’t know about you, but that makes me breathe a big sigh of relief!

 

His name is Jesus and He loves us despite our messes.  He welcomes us with open arms.  If we can remember to love ourselves in this same manner, and see ourselves as He does, life would be so much easier!

 

 

I typically share poetry on Friday’s, but last week there was no Five Minute Friday.  So, instead I decided to share a second 5 minute poem I wrote (which I never published) a couple weeks ago when the word was MESS.  I write devotionals from time to time with things that God places on my heart.  If you would like to use today’s poem/post as a devotional study, I have included a hymnal song (click HERE for that) & some scripture for you that goes with it:

 

An excerpt from the worship hymnal “Just As I Am”:

“I come broken to be mended, I come wounded to be healed.

I come desperate to be rescued, I come empty to be filled.

I come guilty to be pardoned, by the blood of Christ the Lamb,

And I’m welcomed with open arms , Praise God-

Just as I am.

 

 

 

Suggested Scripture for Inspiration (NLT):  

• Jeremiah 23:24 Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?” says the LORD.
• 2 Corinthian’s 1:3-4 –  All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.  He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
• Zephaniah 3:17 -For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
• Psalm 25: 4-5 NIV– Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths.  Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV– Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

 

Wishing you a deep knowing that you are enough just as you are today,

Rebekah