I stand at the kitchen stove and stir butter around in a warm pan with a spoon. My mind feels mixed up too. I close my eyes and whisper the prayer I’m learning to cling to in these moments: “God, what do You want to say to my heart today?”
Usually, a Scripture comes to mind. Sometimes I remember encouraging words from a wise friend. But this time a new phrase comes instantly: I love you anyway.
Tears fill my eyes because it’s exactly what I need to hear. My struggles sometimes make it seem as though God must be upset and far away. But He is still right there with me. And He is still for me.
When we battle depression, God loves us anyway.
When we fight anxiety, God loves us anyway.
When we mess up, God loves us anyway.
When we face doubts, God loves us anyway.
When we forget who we really are, God loves us anyway.
When we’re weary, God loves us anyway.
Whatever we’re struggling with today, God loves us anyway.
Do you ever have thoughts like, If people really knew all of me or what I’m going through, they might not love me the same? Me too — it’s such a human thing to do. But thankfully, it isn’t true.
For years I tried to prove I was enough. Perfect enough. Good enough. Experienced enough. Smart enough. Pretty enough. But it’s only when we come to the place where we can finally say, “I’m not enough but Jesus is” that our hearts get free.
The reality is, we will fall short of the expectations of others and ourselves. But it doesn’t matter because our extraordinary God, our gracious Savior, declares we are beloved and chosen and empowered anyway.
The world tells us we need to have self-esteem, but what we really need is holy confidence.
Self-esteem says we can do anything we want.
Holy confidence says we can do all things through Christ.
Self-esteem says we can belong in the right crowd.
Holy confidence says we belong to the Creator of the universe.
Self-esteem says our worth comes from what’s external.
Holy confidence says our worth comes from what’s eternal.
The Apostle Paul said we can live, “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6 NIV). Our confidence comes not from what we do but what God is doing in us. He has promised that all He has for us will be finished. We already know the ending of our story; it’s not one of shame but glory.
We are daughters of God created in His image. We are chosen to be part of His plan. We are promised that we will have everything we need for all He has called us to do. We have been forgiven and set free. This is the source of our hope. This is our security. This is why, in spite of our weaknesses and failures, we can walk in holy confidence today.
All of us forget the truth about who we are sometimes. That’s part of living in an imperfect world. But God is willing to remind us each day. He is with us, for us, and working in us beyond what we can see.
I carry my plate to the table and whisper, “God, help me truly believe I’m loved by You right now just as I am.” My prayer is the same for you. May we be confident we’re loved anyway. May we be certain we’re loved always, especially today.
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This post was inspired by our friend Holley Gerth’s new devotional book, 365 Truths for Every Woman’s Heart.
What truth does your heart need to hear today? Maybe you long to know that you’re loved, you have a purpose, or your future is secure no matter what happens. 365 Truths for Every Woman’s Heart is an invitation to spend time with the God who cares for you and draw closer to him.
In only about five minutes a day, you can strengthen your heart, deepen your faith, and remind yourself of what matters most. This book will encourage you each day, and it’s a wonderful Christmas gift for the women in your life too! For a limited time, when you purchase a copy, you’ll also receive the audiobook for free! Find out more at HolleyGerth.com/365… and leave a comment on this article to be entered to WIN a copy!
Then tune in to the (in)courage podcast this weekend for a conversation with Becky Keife and Holley. You do not want to miss their chat!
Leave a Comment
Such encouraging words this am! Thank you Holley! I was just having a conversation with my young adult daughter yesterday sharing some of these same truths as she struggles with ‘what’s next’ for her.
This is a perfect follow-up to that conversation! ❤️
I’m glad this was encouraging to you, Catherine!
I love Holly’s writings and I love a good devotional!
Thank you, Jen!
Holley’s writings always speak directly to my heart. I would love the opportunity to win the devotional.
I’m so glad my words speak to you, Kim!
Holly love what you wrote. I used think I was no good as got very little friends. I think I only wanted because I useful to people. Then this song sometime years after I got saved came to me. It “I am a new creation no more in condemnation. Here in the grace of God I stand.” That spoke to me that song that I am new creation no more in condemnation. We feel we have to learn to line up with the world to be accepted. Why I felt the way I did before I heard that song was because I tried nicely to make friends no wanted to be my friend. My two best friends to sister’s live now 84 miles away from me. I used to think I was no good. My Husband said Dawn all that matters is God expects you and God wants you and Loves you. Then I know God gave me that song for me to take it remember it when I feel like that. Thank you for what you wrote Holley it has really spoke to me. One Salvation Army officer told me to remember I am Daughter of the King of Kings that is Jesus. All these things have helped me. Love Dawn Ferguson-Little xx
Thank you for sharing, Dawn! You truly are God’s friend and beloved daughter.
What a wonderful book. I can wait to dive in and read it.
Thank you for the opportunity to win this book. It sounds so encouraging.
I can feel the Holy Spirit whispering to me through you today, Holley. Thank you for sharing such a powerful message. Enjoy your day!
This sounds like such a valuable resource to fight against the lies that I am sometimes prone to believe. Thank you for giving us another opportunity to win!
Those of us that have suffered through depression know the self condemnation that whispers to us.
Thank you, Holly, for the truth you share with us today that “God loves us anyway.”
Love the framing/wording of holy confidence. What a tender reminder how loved we are!
Why is this truth so quickly and easily forgotten? Thank you for minding me. I really needed to hear this today.
What a beautiful reminder of essential truths! As imperfect people we need to hear and read about how much God loves us on a regular basis. Otherwise we can fall into despair over our sin as the enemy tries to discourage us. Jesus loves us anyway! I especially love your words on having Holy Confidence over self esteem. Thank you!
Reinforcement of a word received from a women’s conference over the weekend ! We are more than enough because God is enough!
Holley, I love your words and have been reading and listening to you for years. You touch lives and remind us (I share many readings with my Bible study ladies) how God loves us in our everyday lives. Such an uplift.
Thank you & God bless
I have been following you for several years and I am always uplifted and encouraged by your every word! You are so honest about who you are and I can so identify with you on so many levels! Bless you for your ministry online and in your book writing! You are a blessing to me and no doubt so many others! Please keep sharing! Have a blessed day and continued success with your writing!
Dear Holley………….I loved your words today, but they are a little too close to what I am dealing with for me to leave my usual long reply. Sometimes I have what I call “Sorrow Days” where no matter how long and how often I pray to The Lord or Jesus, I still need to get the tears out and try to watch one of my Hallmark movies to hopefully cheer me a bit. I will again read your devotion tomorrow and I am sure I will have a reply. You women are exactly what I need in my life. Have a Blessed Day and my love to you,Holley…………………..Betsy Basile
Wonderful encouragement to walk in holy confidence. A reminder and blessing at just the right time.
I think my heart really needed this reminder today. Thank you. ❤️
This really spoke to me this morning. Yesterday, I had a great morning appointment with my medical provider and a really depressing appointment with the eye specialist in the afternoon. I follow you regularly and listen to your podcasts More Than Small Talk and Prayer Starters. Something always speaks to me. Struggling with medical issues, mobility issues due to bone disease, feeling overwhelmed and inadequate, lonely but active in church, widowed, the list goes on—y’all always touch on something that hits home. Had to share an excerpt from today’s message on my Facebook to encourage others. Thanks for baring your heart and soul.
I just love how realistic this is and how down to earth it applies to our everyday lives. I can’t wait to read this book.