Living Loved: See Yourself Through God’s Eyes

Scriptures: Mark 9:17-27, Psalms 139:13-14, Ephesians 2:10

Sometimes, faith feels natural—like a sturdy chair you can collapse into without a second thought. Other times, trusting God fully can feel more like balancing on a shaky stool, especially when it comes to believing what He says about you. 

Do you ever find it hard to accept that you are who God says you are? 

If so, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. Many of us experience a gap between what we say we believe about God and what we actually believe. 

We trust God’s power, but we question whether His promises apply personally to us. 

• You are completely forgiven and without condemnation. 
• You are God’s masterpiece. 
• You are chosen, holy, and dearly loved. 
• You are an heir to God’s promises. 

Intellectually, we know we’re redeemed, beloved, and chosen, but our daily lives may not reflect those truths. 

Why? 

Sometimes, it’s because life moves too fast, leaving little room to pause and listen. Other times, past hurts or present challenges cloud our ability to see ourselves in ways that match up with what God says about us. 

The good news is that God is patient and kind. He knows your limitations and invites you to bring your doubts to Him. 

Faith isn’t something you have to muster up on your own—it’s a gift He gives and it grows in you as you trust Him more. 

In Mark 9, we meet a father desperate for Jesus to heal his son. With raw honesty, he pleads, “I believe; help my unbelief!” The father had enough faith to approach Jesus, but he struggled to trust fully. His honest cry shows us that God welcomes our doubts and wants to strengthen our faith. 

So how do you move from doubt to deeper belief? 

Refuse to fake it. God doesn’t require a polished version; He wants the real you. You don’t have to come to God with your faith already intact. You can receive more faith from Him. Just ask. 

Fortify your faith. Dive into Scripture to remind yourself of what God says about you. Reaffirm your identity as loved, chosen, and wonderfully made. Surround yourself with people who encourage you to trust His truth. 

Listen for God’s voice. He delights in speaking to His children, and He wants you to hear what He has to say about you. 

Walk out your faith. Even if it feels small, take a step today to align your actions with God’s promises and instruction. What instruction or direction can you apply to your life today? Trust that He will help you as you move forward. 

The journey from doubt to deeper faith is not a straight line, but God will walk with you every step of the way. As you trust Him more, your faith will grow stronger, and His truth will become the foundation of your identity. 

Come back tomorrow to explore God’s joy in simply being with you.

Scriptures: Zephaniah 3:17, Psalms 149:4, Psalms 18:19

Have you ever felt like God only tolerates you? That He cares for you because it’s who He is, but doesn’t necessarily enjoy who you are? 

For years, I believed that God cared for me, but I doubted that He delighted in me. 

I assumed He put up with my flaws out of duty rather than joy. His love felt distant, impersonal, and based on what I could offer, not who I was. I thought His attention was drawn to my successes, but His affection didn’t extend to my imperfections. 

Scripture paints a different picture of God’s heart. 

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17) 

Can you imagine that? God rejoicing over you—not reluctantly, but with loud, joyful singing. This isn’t generic love or obligatory care. It’s deeply personal. You’re not just one of many; you’re His beloved child, and He takes great joy in you. 

Think about someone you truly enjoy spending time with—a close friend or family member. You don’t just tolerate their presence; you look forward to being with them. You laugh, feel at ease, and delight in their unique quirks and features. 

That’s how God feels about you. He invites you into a relationship where you’re not only known and seen but also celebrated and enjoyed. And He invites you to see, know, and enjoy Him too.

For a long time, I couldn’t fathom that I could bring joy to God. I fixated on my flaws and failures, assuming they outweighed anything good in me. But when I asked God what He enjoyed about me, His response was surprising and tender. He reminded me of how He designed me, the unique ways I reflect His image, and how He delights in the moments we connect. 

If it feels hard to believe that God delights in you, start by asking Him, “God, what do You enjoy about me?” 

It might feel awkward at first, but God loves to reveal His heart to His children. His delight in you isn’t tied to your performance—it’s rooted in who you are. 

One listener of my Good God Talks podcast shared this revelation: “I realized I had an underlying belief that God just puts up with me. Then it hit me—He’s under no obligation to tolerate me. The truth is, He delights in me. That simple shift changed everything, and my relationship with Him has become more intimate and joyful. We’re at a whole new level.”

Are you ready for your connection with God to go to a whole new level?

Let this truth sink in today: God enjoys you. He celebrates you, not despite your imperfections, but because He loves you fully. He is with you, not out of obligation, but out of delight. 

Tomorrow, we’ll explore what it truly means to live as God’s cherished child.

Scriptures: John 1:12-13, Matthew 7:7-11, Luke 18:16-17, Luke 12:32

Sometimes, life’s demands can cloud the truth of your identity as God’s child. 

I often focus so much on being a caregiver, leader, or doer that I forget the beautiful reality that I’m first and foremost God’s kid. Whether it’s the pressures of parenting, ministry, or just daily life, I often feel like I have to earn my place or prove my value. 

But the Bible is clear—those who follow Him are already His. When you place your faith in Jesus, you’re adopted into God’s family. This isn’t a symbolic or distant relationship; it’s real, intimate, and deeply personal. 

God isn’t waiting for you to perform or prove yourself; He invites you to live in the security of being His child. 

Have you ever noticed how your closest relationships can shape the way you feel about trust and security? 

When someone is consistently loving and responsive, it’s easier to feel safe with them. In psychology and therapy spaces, this relates to a concept called “attachment theory.” Secure attachment forms when a caregiver is consistently loving and responsive to a young child. But insecure attachments can leave a child feeling anxious, fearful, or reluctant to connect. 

While human relationships fall short, God provides the ultimate secure attachment. 

He is always present, always loving, and always responsive. But sometimes our limited awareness of Him or our experiences with human caregivers, can leave us feeling insecure and detached from God anyway. 

God stands ready and eager to help you approach Him with confidence. He will strengthen your attachment to Him if you let Him. You can know more fully that He welcomes and delights in you. (And if this concept of attachment theory resonates with you, it’s worth exploring further.) 

There’s a verse in Luke 18 that always makes me pause: 

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (Luke 18:16) 

I rarely think about coming to God as a child. 

I’m a parent, so I focus on caring for my kids. I’m a leader in ministry, so I think about helping others come freely to Jesus. But this invitation isn’t just for others—it’s for you and me. Jesus calls us His children and says, “Let them come.” 

If I’m honest, the person who most often hinders me from coming to Jesus is me. Maybe you can relate. But God’s kids don’t need to have it all figured out. We don’t need polished prayers or perfectly managed emotions. Instead, we’re invited to come just as we are. 

Recently, when overwhelmed by responsibilities, I felt God gently remind me, “You’re My child first.” That simple truth shifted my perspective. It wasn’t about what I needed to do for God or others; it was about resting in who I already am to Him. 

As God’s child, you don’t need to perform to be loved. 

You are already secure in His care. Take a moment to reflect on this truth: You are God’s child. Whatever is weighing on you today, bring it to Him. Approach Him not as someone trying to earn love, but as His beloved child who already has it. 

What if God has more for you—not just to pour out, but to receive? (Spoiler: He does!) We’re exploring that together tomorrow.

Scriptures: Isaiah 40:11, Matthew 11:28-30, Psalms 23:1-3

Have you ever had one of those days where it just feels like everyone needs something from you? Maybe it’s really busy at work or with things for your kids. 

I’ve had whole seasons like that, where life was so demanding that spending time with God felt like just another item on my to-do list. 

I even caught myself hesitating to pray, thinking, God doesn’t need one more person asking for something from Him right now.

As if His capacity was limited like mine. 

A few years ago, I was in a busy season of motherhood and writing deadlines, and I was just hustling. I remember sitting in a moment with God as He brought fresh revelation, and telling him, “This will be so encouraging for others. I can’t wait to write about it.” Honestly, I was somewhat relieved that I was actually going to have good, helpful content to meet my deadline. 

God responded to me so sweetly, so gently, and also so clearly, “This isn’t for them today. This is just for Me and you. Is that all right with you?” 

That moment stopped me in my tracks. I had been so focused on output—what I could do for others—that I bypassed the reality of the moment. 

The King of the Universe wanted to talk with me about something…and I had jumped into output mode. I assumed that God shared that insight with me so that I could share this with others. 

So today’s plan is dedicated to the prayer warriors, the caregivers, the capable and strong ones. 

Can you relate to my assumptions? Thinking that the energy you have, the revelation or insight, the use of your giftings, the conversations and the connection you have with God are just an output for Him to reach other people and not also an infilling for what He wants to give you? 

Sometimes, you might feel like God’s love is primarily for others, and you’re just along for the ride. But that’s not true. 

God doesn’t just see you as a caregiver or a doer—He sees you as His child who also needs His care. 

His care is personal. He knows the weight you’re carrying, and He invites you to lay it down. 

You don’t have to be the strong one all the time. 

You don’t have to hold it all together. 

He meets you right where you are, with compassion not condemnation or demands. He carries you when you’re too weary to move forward and provides rest for your soul. 

Receiving God’s care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. 

When we stop to let Him fill us up, we’re reminded that we’re not meant to run on empty. 

So today, pause. Let God remind you of His deep love and provision for you. Instead of rushing to the next thing, take a moment to simply sit with Him and let Him care for your heart. 

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to let roles or struggles define you? God has a better way, bringing freedom and peace. Let’s dive into that tomorrow.

Scriptures: Exodus 17:11-15, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Song of Songs 2:4

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to let your roles or struggles define you? I know I have. 

I’ve let busyness, achievements, or even pain dictate my identity. 

I wore stress or productivity like a badge, thinking it proved my worth. 

• “See, how hard I’m working? I’m worthwhile. My contributions matter.” 
• “I have this diagnosis, this is who I am now.” 
• “I’ve gone through this trauma or heartache. This is all I can expect from life.” 

We don’t want to ignore them or pretend those things didn’t happen, but we also don’t want to define ourselves by them or claim them as badges of identity. 

These “badges” limit your ability to see yourself through God’s eyes. 

Including this one… 

Question: How are you? 

Answer: Busy 

I remember a particular conversation with my husband Jared. We were talking about how often we answer the question, “How are you?” with, “Busy.” It had become almost automatic, as if being “busy” validated that our lives held purpose. 

But God doesn’t define you by how full your schedule is, how much you accomplish, or even the struggles you’ve endured. 

In Exodus 17, after a great victory, Moses built an altar and named it “The Lord is my Banner.” A banner in biblical times was a rallying point in battle—a declaration of authority and identity under their king. 

When you look up to God as your banner, you’re reminded that your true identity comes from being under His covering, not from what you do or what happened to you. 

I’ve realized how often I look to badges I’ve earned—like productivity or even pain—as proof of my value. But God calls us to lift our eyes to His banner over us, which declares that we are loved, chosen, and redeemed. Can you see it? 

Your identity is not tied to performance or pain—it’s rooted in God’s love. 

Your true identity isn’t earned. God gives it freely. 

You are safe under His covering. 

You receive identity because of who God is and what He says about you. 

And it’s not just for tough seasons or circumstances. It’s also in those places where you come and draw near to Him in love. Whether out in the chaos of battle or in the calm of the banqueting table, God delights to draw you close under His protection and covering. 

Letting go of mistaken identities isn’t always easy. It means releasing the false comforts of self-reliance or comparison and choosing to trust what God says about you. But as you do, you’ll find freedom and peace in the truth that you are already fully known and fully loved by Him. 

Ready to continue this process today, upgrading from momentary badges to Love’s banner?

1. Take a moment to ask God what “badges” you’ve been holding onto. 
2. Then ask Him to help you lift your eyes to notice His banner flying over you. What does that mean for you today? 
3. Make the exchange. Offer Him those lesser badges and ask Him what He invites you to receive instead. 

The very places we feel the most broken are where God longs meet us with supernatural abundant love and grace. Discover how to experience this next.

Scriptures: Matthew 5:1-6, Psalms 34:18, 2 Corinthians 12:9

Our world celebrates what’s new and flawless. 

When something breaks, we often discard it without a second thought, replacing it with something newer or better. 

Even things that aren’t broken—just outdated or slightly imperfect—can quickly lose their value in our eyes. 

Weaknesses and vulnerabilities are often treated the same way. 

We look for strength and want to disguise our weakness. We don’t want to be in need and can fear that if we expose vulnerabilities, we’ll be taken advantage of or rejected. 

We tend to see brokenness as entirely unacceptable. But God sees it differently. 

Instead of discarding or dismissing it, He draws close to us in our need. God doesn’t shy away from the cracks in our lives; He meets us there with His love and grace. We can receive the beauty that He has for us, even in—especially in—brokenness. 

We see this on display in the Beatitudes, as Jesus teaches a countercultural perspective. He says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted…Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”

These words remind us that God calls us blessed, not because of our strength, but because of our dependence. 

I reflected on this recently during a painful season of mourning. 

The past few years have held a lot of loss for me, including the death of a pet, grief of church abuse, and the passing of my mom. 

Grief has a way of exposing my deepest needs, and at moments I feel completely overwhelmed. In those times, I simply cry out, “God, I need You.” 

It’s not eloquent or polished, but it’s honest. 

And each time, God meets me there, offering His presence and comfort in ways I couldn’t have imagined. 

Like recently, how He showed me a sweet memory I’d long forgotten, removing some of the sting from a present and painful loss. 

I am in need on a regular basis. And God calls that blessed. 

Theologian Henry Nouwen said it beautifully: “Jesus didn’t say blessed are those who care for the poor. He said, blessed are we where we are poor. Where we are broken. It is there that God loves us deeply and pulls us into deeper communion with Himself.” 

God doesn’t ask you to hide your pain or pretend to be strong. Instead, He invites you to bring your brokenness to Him, where His love can meet you in the most tender and transformative ways. When you acknowledge your need, you create space for God’s grace to work in your life. 

• Blessed are you, when you recognize your dependence on God. 
• How beautiful it is that you can come to God aware of your need. 
• How wonderful it is that you can come to God with your mourning, with your grief, and He will be your comforter. 
• How fantastic it is that you can leave satisfied when you come with a hunger and thirst for connection with Him. 

God enters hurting places with you, transforming them into opportunities to experience His presence more deeply. He calls you blessed because your dependence on Him draws you closer to His heart. 

If you’re walking through a difficult season, know that God is near. He sees your mourning, your hunger for righteousness, and your need for comfort. And in His presence, there is beauty and blessing—even in the brokenness.

Join me tomorrow as we uncover how God’s truth can break through the limiting beliefs that have been holding us back.

Scriptures: Psalms 119:105, 2 Corinthians 10:5, John 8:12

One of the amazing and sometimes frustrating things about our walk with God is that it’s an ongoing journey. 

He’s continually renewing and transforming us into His image. 

I’ve often wished this process were already complete—that I fully knew God and perfectly lived out who He created me to be. But the truth is, there’s always more healing, revelation, and freedom that He wants to give us. 

Limiting beliefs often stand in the way of freedom. 

Whether you’ve been a believer for five minutes or fifty years, chances are, you’ve encountered beliefs that create invisible barriers around your life. These beliefs act like ceilings, or boxes, or bear traps, hindering your perspective of the present and your dreams for the future. They shrink your view of God and what He can do in and through you. 

But God invites us to bring these beliefs into His light. 

In biblical times, dishonest merchants would use wax to conceal cracks in pottery, making flawed vessels appear perfect. This happened so commonly that honest merchants would market their work as sine cera (which means “without wax” in Latin). 

To verify quality, buyers would hold the pottery up to the sunlight, where the light would reveal any hidden flaws. 

Similarly, we can hold our beliefs up to the light of God’s Word, asking Him to expose any falsehoods that hinder us. 

Consider something you’ve been thinking about today. 

Does this belief about God, yourself, or your circumstances align with what the Bible says? 

If it doesn’t, that’s not a reason for shame but an opportunity to press closer to God and ask, “What do You see? How can I live differently?”

For me, this often looks like catching myself in a spiral of worry or hopelessness and asking, “Does this align with God’s promises?” 

Then I remember verses like this: 

“Cast all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) 

The light of God’s truth isn’t condemning—it’s freeing. It invites us to let go of false beliefs and replace them with His truth. 

This process reminds me of Japanese kintsugi, the art of repairing broken pottery with gold. Instead of throwing away the broken jar or disguising the cracks, kintsugi highlights them as the piece is reassembled, making it more beautiful and valuable.

God works similarly in our lives. 

He doesn’t ask us to conceal our flaws or past mistakes. Instead, He uses them to showcase His redemptive work, turning our broken places into mended and healed testimonies of His grace. 

When we share how God has healed us, others see His beauty and power. Our cracks become golden lines of His glory, drawing others to Him. 

So today, hold your beliefs up to God’s light. Let Him reveal what’s insincere, replace it with His truth, and transform the broken places in your life into a display of His beauty as He draws you closer to Himself.