Restore My Soul – Grace Vision

My 40 Days of Intimacy with God began with feeling like a bit of a failure. I had just lost my job and had know idea how much my identity was linked with my profession. I have not been unemployed since I was 14 years old and this was definitely new territory for me.

I needed validation. I needed to know that I was worth something even though I wasn’t working which is where I had chosen to receive validation for so many years. If I was productive and accomplishing something everyday, then I had value.

God’s message to me was: “I approve of you, My child. Because you are Mine.” “I see you through eyes of grace.”

His approval is the only one that matters and it is not dependent on our performance. Although He doesn’t endorse everything we do or fail to do, He still approves of us – our true selves, the ones He created us to be.

“I know how much you long for affirmation and how hard it is for you to accept it. I want you to learn to see yourself and others through grace-vision. Looking through eyes of grace, you can focus more on what is good and right than on what is bad and wrong.” (Jesus Always)

Knowing that God still saw me as His and that my employment status had nothing to do with how He felt about me, gave me the compass I needed to set out in the right direction.

I had been looking in the wrong direction for far to long. It was time to start replacing wrong thoughts and attitudes with truth – beginning with the truth that I am fully loved and accepted by God. And not only does He approve of me – He delights in me.

My Prayer

Father, Thank you seeing me through eyes of grace. Forgive me for seeking acceptance in things that hold no value compared to You. Help me to see myself and others with grace vision. Knowing that we were chosen by You before the creation of the world and that You take great delight in us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Where does my help come from?

Ephesians 1:4

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love  he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.

Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)

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.”