“Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.”
I Samuel 3:9
About a decade ago, I could’ve convinced anyone that I was thriving. I was happily married, I was writing and performing my own music, I was leading worship — my dream job. But I knew I wasn’t living in freedom.
In every room I stepped into, I was afraid to stand out in any way. Every time I’d take the stage, I felt like I was hitting a wall. Instead of just taking inspiration from other artists, I was constantly comparing myself to them. And no matter how I “performed” or how people responded, in my mind, I’d always come up short. This often left me feeling like a fraud, or even worse, a failure. As God opened my eyes, I came to see that so much of my potential was being stunted by my fears.
Consider what fear does to us.
If you spot a herd of buffalo stampeding toward you, your body is designed to explode with fear. That surge of adrenaline fuels you to run for your life. God created us with emotions for our good. Fear, sadness, anger, and joy are the body‘s way of communicating something we need to know. Fear, sadness, and anger are all natural responses to trauma and pain. But when the hurt is allowed to fester, when we don’t face our pain, those same feelings can turn on us and begin to bully us. That’s where I was. Rather than facing the messiness of my past, I tried to ignore it, and it turned on me.
In Life of the Beloved, Henri Nouwen writes, “Every time you feel hurt, offended, or rejected, you have to dare to say to yourself: ‘These feelings, strong as they may be, are not telling me the truth about myself. Even though I cannot feel it right now, the truth is that I am the chosen child of God, precious in God’s eyes, called the Beloved from all eternity, and held safe in an everlasting embrace.’” Nouwen’s holy words were an invitation to me to own my inherent belovedness. They set me on a path to discover my identity as a beloved child of God.
We’re all trying to figure out who we are, right? I think too often we write the “good parts” about ourselves in pencil and the “bad parts” in pen — or in thick permanent marker. We look in the mirror, and we own all the ways we believe we’re not good enough. We don’t simply hear them and let them roll off our backs. Instead, we treat them as gospel truth.
The reality is that we are all pilgrims on a journey. We have not yet arrived; we are works in progress. We are sinners who will make some mistakes and take some hits. But we fear that these shortcomings define us. Rather, the core of our identity is that we are loved by God. Period.
Maybe, like me, you’ve been living in fear. One woman looks in the mirror and hates what she sees staring back at her. One man catches his reflection in a storefront window and worries that his bad choices will destroy him. A child living in a chaotic home tries to be good so that he or she won’t be left alone. Sometimes we don’t even notice that we’re allowing our fears to drive us.
I’m still on the journey to embrace my belovedness. Every day, I have to make the choice to believe the truth of who I am and to reflect the glory that God has put in my life.
Nouwen’s invitation to me all those years ago — to embrace the fullness of my belovedness — is the same one I want to extend to you. Romans 11:29 tells us, “For God’s gifts and His call can never be withdrawn” (NLT). You were not made to be owned by your fears. Rather, the unalterable and undeniable truth is that you were created, from the beginning, as beloved. It’s who you are. And nothing could ever take that away.
God, as You show me my heart, I can see how I’ve allowed fears to own me. Help me to find myself in You. Remind me that my feelings, and the thoughts that spring from them, do not define me. Only You can define me. And You say that I am Your beloved, chosen child. I am precious in Your sight. And from the beginning of time, I have been Yours. Lord, be with me on this journey. Teach me how to embrace my belovedness daily. Open the eyes of my heart, and open my ears to hear Your voice, that I might embrace the truth of who I am: Beloved. Amen.
Questions to Ask Yourself:
- Do I know, in the depths of my heart, what it is to be beloved?
- What are the lies, beliefs, or thoughts that are bullying me?
- What is owning me today?
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We all have an inner voice that tells us we’re not worthy of love, especially God’s love. Our flaws, fears, and mistakes fill us with guilt and shame. But Sarah Kroger’s song and new devotional, Belovedness, is a reminder that it’s the heart of God to pursue and embrace His people — no matter our history, because He has reconciled us to Himself! Sarah’s book, Belovedness: Overcoming Your Inner Critic, is based on the lyrics of the song and includes devotions, selected Scriptures, prayers, and insights from Sarah that will walk you through the process of defeating your critical voice and accepting God’s unfailing love.
Silence your inner critic with the affirmation of God’s deep, sincere love for you.
We LOVE this special lyrical devotional, and we think you will too… so we’re giving away FIVE copies*!
To enter, just leave a comment answering one of Sarah’s questions above.
Then tune in to the (in)courage podcast this weekend to listen in on a conversation with Becky Keife and GMA Dove Award-nominated artist, songwriter, and worship leader Sarah Kroger. Their conversation will bless you for sure!
I am loved, through all fear.
I am fully love with infinite and eternal love by God, the Father
I’m presently in the battle of overcoming thoughts which tear at my belovedness. It’s a real struggle with a long history, and yet, I put on my armor and shout back at this negativity by claiming, “”I am a child of God!” Each time, this truth gives me a big dose of reality and a renewed sense of strength to walk knowing our Almighty Father walks by my side, as He does with all of his BELOVED. Amen!
Amen! May we never neglect to remind ourselves who we truly are & remind those along our path that they too are beloved! Blessings (((0)))
I let unworthiness and shame bully me based on past sinful actions. Because a family member throws it up often I hold onto the fear of not measuring up. It is sometimes hard to think that I can be God’s beloved when I have so much unworthiness coming up in my mind at times. I confessed and received forgiveness and now am a different person but your message of belovedness resonates with me and I will think on this more than my past.
Loneliness from the loss of my dear husband
This is an area I really struggle with. My husband will tell you that my inner critic is the loudest voice I listen to the most. I had a major meltdown on Sunday after realizing an error I made in my medication. I know God forgives me for the tirade, but I have a hard time accepting myself as He sees me. Sadly I’m 63 and have been a believer for 50+ years. I’ve grown in many areas but not this one. I think this book could be very helpful. Thanks for considering me.
I have been in a season of sorrow and grief. It has been very dark and painful. Not much has gotten through to my heart. But this article uncovered truth that only the Holy Spirit could illumine. Thank you for sharing your heart and touching mine, Sarah.
First thing this morning – insecurity and anger wanted to own my day. Thanks to this devotion I am focused on my identity as beloved and free.
Would love to read the whole devotional!
While I struggle with my own belovedness, I strive to show my grandaughters that they are in fact Fearfully and Wonderfully made. Two of my grandaughters are teenagers and are dealing with this very thing. They are not being raised in a Christian home or school. I have started a Bible study with them from one of Beth Moores books about insecurity. This today is very helpful for myself as well as them. Thank you so much. It feels as if this is for me today. I would love to have this to share with my grandaughters. I would also appreciate all the prayers for Alexis and Mezmerae and myself as I try to guide them in His love and and grace for them. Thank you ever so much. Lori Fox
I often believe the lie that I’m not enough. Thanks for your devotion and your beautiful music.
What are the lies, beliefs, or thoughts that are bullying me? When I was much younger I had no doubt that I was well loved, I was carefree joyful, smiling all the time, never worried about how people saw me. Then I grew up belittled by family about me looks, how I carried myself, never taught what really mattered in life except you have to do this on your own. Never had any close friends and the friends I did have only torn me down the older I got and where I came from. My family wasn’t rich, we made do and my parents over time divorced which added to my insecurities. I went to a Catholic church but never fit in so as I got older I struggled to go to church only to be told what I was to sell and do without, so I stayed away from church. Now being much older I’m drawn toward God and I am in a church trying to fit in, only to have God share with me this is where you need to be, stay a while and rest for I have always Loved you, you have tried it on your own, so now I give you rest in my house and read my word, that’s why I wrote the BIBLE, Basic-Information-Before-Leaving-Earth, you will understand how to live, what to expect and know that in the end of your life you will come Home to Me.
I think one of the biggest lies I struggle with is thinking that I am a disappointment to God. I know in my head that it isn’t true, but it’s not always easy to believe that.
What are the lies, beliefs, or thoughts that are bullying me? Discovering My True Worth
Looking back with a heart full of hope, I realize that for much of my life, I believed the lie that I wasn’t enough. This shadow followed me from childhood into adulthood, shaped by years of longing for friendship during my school days. But life has a beautiful way of revealing the truth when we’re ready. As I embraced healing and self-discovery later in life, I uncovered the radiant truth—I am more than enough. This newfound understanding opened my heart, allowing me to not only welcome meaningful friendships but also to be a true friend to others. My journey reminds me that healing brings light, love, and the joyful realization of our inherent worth.
This sounds like such a helpful read! I have noticed the last few months that I have really been in my head a lot and overthinking a lot. I think it’s because some new friendships that really matter to me have entered my life since November and I’m afraid they’re going to leave me for some irrational reason. Well, I’ve lost a friend this year and also experienced a lot of loss over the last decade, so I guess I do know where that irrational reasoning is coming from. I’ve been walking every night after work to get my 10k steps in combined with my lunch break walk and it’s amazing how much that helps my head space! Something I was really worried about yesterday became easier to deal with after my walk last night. Plus I had a lady stop me and tell me she really admires my desire to walk and that she admires my determination. I have noticed the regulars and some of them come up and talk to me as well. 🙂 Thanks for giving us this opportunity to win!
This post was so great for me. I always feel as though I am not enough because of fear. I am going to sit with that word today and let it soak into my soul…BELOVED!
Dear Sarah………….Your words were beautiful today and it has brought to the front of my mind the journey that I have been. I used to be my own worst critic for many years while I was working. About 6 months ago I realized just what you said. God is our Creator and loves us and from that day forward, I started my journey to realize the real me. I am 78 years old and I will say that the one most difficult thing that I still have not been able to say I have conquered. That word is LONELINESS. My ex-husband has the violent form of dementia and he tried to kill me. All his neurologists said the next time he WILL kill you and forget it 5 minutes later. My 1 child, a 55 year old son called me and disowned me as his mother as he said I was a liar about his father’s condition, but he never came to try and help me. I also have 1 grandchild who now will soon be 15 years old and my son and his wife refuse to allow me to see or even talk to him. He was 11 when this started. I miss him so much. There is no other family so I had to sell the house and move into a Senior Independent Living facility, alone and I am so unhappy here and miss social gatherings and people to talk to, but most residents here have some physical problems and except for the people I sit with at lunch, there really isn’t anyone. So Sarah, I thank you for your wise words, because I really struggled through this season to not be so critical to myself and now I still have to conquer the loneliness issue. I send my prayers to everyone that is going through this season. You can do it, but you must remember that God loves us and does not expect us to be perfect. He still loves us……………………………….Betsy Basile
Betsy.. you give many women strength to be safe from the sad but real state of dementia.. God saved you for this reason. I believe He will bring your grandchild to you again.. as the boy knew and knows your love. Praying for you and for you to pray it over again..Philippians 4: 6&7
Blessings dear beloved one
Thank you for the opportunity to win this book. I think what is owning me at this time it all the responsibility of taking care of my husband and our home. He has had two strokes and needs assistant with most things. I would like to give it all to God, but I hold back.
Well said. Sometimes I don’ t understand why God made me the way I am. I have many doubts about myself, and I am very hard and critical of myself. It’s not always easy to see ourselves as God does.
What a beautiful read that was. Like you rightly said, I too feel that I am not good enough and lacking and comparing my life and situations with those of others and having feelings of unworthiness. These words hit right at me: “We fear that these shortcomings define us. Rather, the core of our identity is that we are loved by God. Period!” Just have to keep that in mind always and I am grateful for the talents and blessings the Lord has blessed me with and try to use them. Going to church daily has been a grace and blessing that I cannot live without and find so much peace and nourishment to get through each day. Praise the Lord everyday for his countless blessings and prayers for all of those who are going through tough times but it’s with suffering that the soul is purified as long we accept God’s will as He knows best.
I feel lost after the loss of my mother this past November. I feel like that shook me and my identity to my core
I do know what it is to be beloved. For all the things I do not know, for all I struggle with, I’m thankful this isn’t one of them. I’m 55 and I’ve had this knowledge my whole life. It’s the most real thing to me. Thank you Heavenly Father for this gift.
The things that are owning me are my anxiety and comparing my life to others.
Thanks for the opportunity to win this book. I listened to the song and it is so true! I’m sure the devotional will minister also.
The lie that God is good to others but not to me.
Thank you for the reminder that the voice I need to listen to is God’s, not my own fears or bullying speaking. This book is something I think my adult daughter would benefit from too. Bless you for sharing.
Though I know it’s a lie, the sins of my past still sneak in sometimes to haunt me. I love these devotions which remind us of God’s forgiveness and love. Thank you.
Currently, my health trail of the past 2.5+ years has been “owning” my everyday. It’s been all-consuming for so long now, and sometimes I view my life and even my identity as “before I was sick” and “while being sick.” It almost feels like two different people. But in my heart I know that my identity in Christ has never changed in spite of my health challenges. This book sounds like it would be such a blessing to me.
I believe the lie that I’m not enough even through Christ.
What is owning me is my insecurity and self doubts. I let it control me and it affects my relationship with Christ. Hoping to work on it with this resource if I win!
It’s hard as a mother knowing you are given these beautiful children as a gift from God and feel like you are failing on a daily basis at raising them. Like how is God not disappointed in me on a daily basis.
Would love to read this book
My fear is definitely owning me of late. That quote by Nouwen really struck me. I am going to use it whenever I feel fear winning!
Thanks for this opportunity.
I am my own worst critic thinking I have to do more. This devotion made me realize that I am simply beloved. I need to meditate on this so I won’t be so hard on myself. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of this beautiful book.
The thoughts that are lies are exactly what I struggle with. The “I’m not enough” and others.
Would love to win this book.
So beautiful! So true! Thank you for this! Amen!
The lie I believe is that I am not good enough.
Thank you for this reminder. So encouraging!
I think the biggest thing I need to work on is insecurities and feelings of not enough. I think some of that ties back to my disability. I have lived with my disability basically all my life as I was diagnosed with it at an early age and it does impact daily living. It makes it harder to walk and things like that. Thankfully, I’m able to get around fairly independently without assisted devices. However I do usually reach for a family member’s hand on curbs and stuff.
Anyways, my disability comes with some challenges and can sometimes make me feel like I’m not doing all that I could do. This feeling can also extend into other things.
However, while my disability is a big part of who I am and my identity, I really have to remind myself sometimes that it is not all that I am.
Thank You Sarah Yes I know I am Beloved by The Father i am so thankful for this incredible gift ✨
This sounds amazing. The thought that is bullying me is living up to a five year plan I made and what things were supposed to look like.
One of the lies I’ve been working through is that I mean nothing to anyone and it won’t matter if I “run away.”
Do I know, in the depths of my heart, what it is to be beloved?
Im not entirely sure. It has been a long journey discovering what it means to be loved by God and what exactly what He thinks of me. I make mistake after mistake and I sometimes find it hard to see how in the world God would still see me as precious even though I can be kind of rotten at times. But what does it truly mean to be beloved, I have no clue.
There’s hardly a day that some thought of the past doesn’t enter my thought. I have always felt alone in the world, no one wanted me, I don’t fit in or belong anywhere. I feel like I have to fight for everything. Fight for what’s right, fight to prove my worth, fight to feel like I belong to something.
I fight with my own thought to convince myself there is a purpose for my life and not just to be a tool to fulfill the purpose of someone else’s.
Tough times and loneliness have followed me all the days of my life, and I feel that I chose not to partake in many of the worlds devices that would go against myself. Basically saying I raised my kids alone, I did not smoke, do pills or drugs, drink. I tried to be the best I could to not let anything take me away from raising my children right, living right and being the best I could be.
The darkness never stopped chasing me. I’ve been beaten down to the lowest, both mentally and physically. I have never felt worthy of anything. I try to say bold prayers, but then I talk myself right out of them.
I have 5 wonderful children, my baby is 19…. my kids have all been my biggest joy, my blessings on this earth. They are all talented and doing well with their lives. I’m a proud Army mama of my boys. Airborne, combat engineer & supply specialist Sgts. Zachary and Jacob Smith.
And also 4 grand babies…. these babies are my world. One in particular. That baby was put on this world to remind me of Gods love. She is God in human form, she’s the most loving baby, she’s 5 and so intelligent and perceptive. She actually gave and put a bracelet on me, one that was hers, says I AM LOVED…. She said I needed it and put it on 3-4 months ago, I have never taken it off. I need that daily reminder. She was not wrong.
Sorry for the long rant…. It could be much longer. I have never been one to give a short answer, my teachers would all agree as well as my family.
I think that for too long, I have let fear bully me. I think I know that I am loved, but I let my inner critic bully me. But no more! I will let the Lord love me and remember the truth of who I am–His beloved child.
Growing up, I never felt good enough to please my dad. Now, decades later, I feel like a failure as a mom from having an estranged relationship with my son.
Hello,
For me it’s my fear or anxiety about the future that seems to own me everyday. May I learn to sit and enjoy His presence in my life everyday and know that I am beloved.
Thank you, SK. Love your song and can’t wait to read your book!
MC
Love this reminder: “I’m still on the journey to embrace my belovedness. Every day, I have to make the choice to believe the truth of who I am and to reflect the glory that God has put in my life.” We are on a journey. Just as trusting in the Lord and walking in faith is a daily choice we need to make, so, too is our choice to believe who we are in Christ.
Your words are timely and appreciated.. fear is a tool that seeks to undermine the truth of who we are in God’s eyes…
Your words in today’s podcast helped to remind me to STOP believing that inner critic that is constantly doubting my true intentions or telling me I will make that person upset or Im not a good daughter or teacher or wife. If I could only see myself in God’s eyes as I do my own children. Love and beloved unconditionally.
I struggle with fears and insecurities too and this devotion was very uplifting. Thank you for sharing
I sometimes know/believe what it is to be God’s beloved child… but other times I struggle to truly believe this. Although when I look and vision the cross of Jesus Christ.. that He died for me to save me. Then I am reminded of this Truth. Sometimes I feel super loved by God when I receive blessings. Other times when I am down or things aren’t going well, I feel He loves me less. I know this is a lie. But I still sometimes believe it. He draws us close to Him, closer and closer, when things are hard. I keep coming back to this devotional. This book looks amazing. I shared this article with my husband too and he loved it too. We looked up her website and Youtube videos and her songs are so lovely, uplifting, and encouraging. I think the songs really inspired my husband especially, as he is also a singer/songwriter and worship leader. Lord God, please heal our hearts. All of us who struggle with the enemy’s lies… You, Lord, are faithful and loving and so full of mercy ALWAYS! ❤️
I have always been my own worst critic. My husband was the person who balanced that with his unending support. When he died 18 months ago, I’ve been struggling to find my footing. I had a flourishing small business creating miniatures, but when his struggle with Parkinson’s became a daily battle, my focus shifted drastically. And now…now, I cannot seem to find the inspiration and joy that my art provided. I know that he is still there cheering me on. But, I’m still floundering. Thank you for this posting. It reminds me that my husband was not my only cheerleader and that I am His beloved.
Cheering you on, Dawn…YOU can do it! Let your Light SHINE…We are called to be a LIGHT in the world. Matthew 5:16 AND The JOY of the Lord will come back to YOU, TRUST Him!
Just reading the above posts from others and lifting those up in PRAYER! You are BELOVED…Don’t let your past, rob you of your FUTURE! Every time when Satan reminds you of your past…Remind him of your future!! No matter what you’ve done, how you’ve failed, where you’ve been …you can begin again. “His Power SHINES the BRIGHTEST” Trusting Him, SHINE God’s LIGHT wherever you go, YOU are BELOVED!