“Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there were none of them.” (Psalm 139:16, ESV)
“So, what do you do?”
Ever been asked that question? I know I have, many times over the years. And I have never liked answering it.
In my twenties, I had an easy answer.
“I’m a nurse and I work at blah blah...”.
That sounded good, and I admit my job helped me feel significant.
I believe we all have a need to have our life matter, to have meaning and importance. But what or who determines what is important or meaningful?
In my young adult years, I often let the culture and those around me determine my significance. Even as a woman with a career, I struggled with being “good enough”, and experienced the anxiety that goes with having to earn my worth.
Then I had children and made the choice to leave my “paid job” for the job of “stay-at-home mom”. During the years of home-making and raising a family, I continued to struggle to believe my significance was not dependent upon what I was doing or achieving.
I wonder if it is in our nature as women to wrestle with our significance, especially as we age. Does our significance hinge upon what we do? What if we are no longer able to work at our job, or an illness keeps us more home-bound?
What if we truly believed, like David in Psalm 139, that we are formed by God, seen by God, and that He has written our days (Psalm 139:16)?
Our life, from even before we are born, until the time of our death, is significant because we have been purposefully made by the Hands of God!
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:13-14)
In fact, the days of your life are still being formed by a Masterful Artist!
I need to embrace that Truth every day. How about you?
Next time we face the lies of insignificance that are in the world around us, we can say with confidence,
“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” (Psalm 138:8)
Amen!
Lisa, I am so glad you wrote about this subject of which I have struggled with often. Your words are so well written and so well received right in my heart! Thank you for your vulnerability and words of encouragement:)
Lisa, this is so relatable and a timely reminder to SO many! I plan to share this with my bible study at our next zoom. I know many ladies are struggling with this!