I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God!
    For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation
    and draped me in a robe of righteousness.
I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding
    or a bride with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10 (NLT)

As I was looking through a kid’s devotional book for lunch box notes (I try to send Scripture with my boys once a week), the above verse spoke to me.  When I say the verse spoke to me, I really mean that God grabbed the verse,  smacked it onto my forehead and said, “Do this!”

I did not wake up this morning overwhelmed with joy.  Instead, I woke up thinking about to-do lists, which led to an in-depth self analysis of my own talents, abilities, quality and worth.  I don’t think I’m the only person who jumps on that crazy train.  In fact, I think the ability to view our own self-worth based on the amount and quality of to-do list items we accomplish is one of the Enemy’s greatest tools for driving a wedge between us and God.

Here’s how it works.

• I didn’t go to the PTA meeting=I’m not doing enough for my children.
• I forgot to send a birthday/anniversary/sympathy/congratulations card=I’m not a very thoughtful person.
• I made tacos for dinner three times this week because they’re quick and easy=I’m pretty lazy and don’t take care of my family.

Part of the problem, of course, is that our society has a completely false and unrealistic expectation of who we are supposed to be.  Advertisers and marketers have conditioned us to think that every meal, outfit, and family outing has to be Pinterest worthy and Instagram fabulous.

But those aren’t expectations we can truly hold ourselves to.  The truth is, life can be messy.  We forget to send cards, miss PTA meetings and even serve tacos three nights a week because who has time to cook elaborate meals every day?  (Some people enjoy cooking elaborate meals, and I appreciate that and would love to come over for dinner!)

The truth is, our worth is found in the love of God.  We are his precious jewels.  And, as Isaiah says, the knowledge that we are clothed in salvation and draped in righteousness should bring us overwhelming joy.

Today, take a moment to see yourself as one of God’s most precious jewels.  Then thank him for the salvation and righteousness he has poured over you.  Hold fast to the joy these gifts bring.

Blessings and Peace,

Sara