Our Significance - Desiring to Please

by Editor's Choice

August 2006

"When we rest in God's love and our significance to him, we naturally desire to please the one who so unconditionally accepts us.  When we feel accepted for who we are, we are unafraid to be who he created us to be, or to do what he asks us to do.  We become as children at play, risking everything and imaging anything because a loving parent protectively watches us from nearby."

1.  What would you like to pursue if you felt secure in your significance to God?

2.  What blocks you from pursuing this action?

3.  What could "unblock" you from pursuing this action?

Understanding our unshakeable significance before we attempt accomplishment anchors our souls in an order uncommon to this world.  That is, we embrace our innate worth before we pursue our tasks and dreams.  Then if circumstances point us in a direction we do not want, plan, or expect, our inner security doesn't crumble.  We focus on God first, then everything else falls into perspective.

Whatever life serves us, we define ourselves by our significance to God rather than by what we do.

4.  How has your life not turned out as you expected?

5.  How could embracing your significance to God affect your unwanted circumstances?

If we desire to embrace our innate worth, we can simply ask God to reveal the truth to us in the manner he chooses.  We can begin with that prayer, then meditate on Scripture, listen to other people's stories, and attend Bible studies or seminars.  Our willingness to learn provides opportunity for God to speak into our lives.  Sometimes unexpected or even unwanted changes in circumstances expose our misplaced beliefs and priorities.

6.  How might difficult circumstances currently be exposing your misplaced beliefs and priorities?

7.  Write a letter to God thanking Him for His unconditional love, for your significance to Him, and commiting yourself to personal acceptance.  You may need to ask forgiveness for putting yourself down and speaking negatively about how God created you. You may also need to forgive others who have damaged your sense of significance. 

8.  Repeat this verse daily to yourself, "I praise you [Lord] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."  (Psa. 139:14)

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This study is based on "Designing a Woman's Life" by Judith Couchman".  Some parts are quotes.