Depreciation Situations

by Shelia Gaines

Verse for Thought:
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.  Isaiah 61:3

When something loses value, it is said to have depreciated.  Anything can depreciate; a car, a home, or a relationship.  Often when things depreciate they are discarded and replaced.  However, sometimes the very thing that we no longer have any use for is just what someone else may need desperately.

Have you ever felt depreciated and wondered if you were valued by others in general or even one person in particular.   I dare say many of us have been at that place at one time or another.  When our best efforts are met with rejection or complacency, it makes us feel unappreciated.

When I find myself at that point, I try to remember the words in our key verse.  God appreciates us and he loves us unconditionally.  Even when we make mistakes or don't feel the value that God sees in us, he will never use us and toss us aside.

The next time you find yourself questioning your worth, look to your creator instead of at your circumstances.  Remember that he who began a good work in you is able to complete it, no matter what (Philippians 1:6).


Let’s Pray:
Father, thank you for your unconditional love!   Help us to realize that you have made us in your own image and our value rest in that and not in our lot in life.  Show us how to continue to share your love with everyone even when it hard to do.  In the precious name of your son, Jesus, Amen.

Take the Next Step:
There is only so much you can do in any situation.  Make sure you continue to show love to others no matter what they do, but don't allow what you do  or do not receive in return, shape who you believe you are in God.  You are still fearfully and wonderfully made.   The goal is not to validate you but to glorify him.