We may find it difficult to accept ourselves because we are keenly aware of our inner fears, failures, and frustrations. We may think that if people knew the real me then they would not accept me. This can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy; if we find it difficult to accept ourselves, then other people may find it difficult to accept us. There is one who knows us better than ourselves – God knows the inner thoughts and intentions of our hearts. The prophet Jeremiah described the condition of man’s heart:

The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it? I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, to give to each person according to his ways. (Jeremiah 17:9-10)

God knows our hearts, but those who are His children have been redeemed and are accepted in the righteousness of Jesus. If God who is all-powerful and all-knowing accepts us, then who are we not to accept ourselves? King David in the Old Testament was intimately acquainted with failure and frustration, but he was also personally aware of God’s favor and compassion as he praised the Lord:

Who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with favor and compassion; (Psalm 103:4)

David had experienced God’s compassion and forgiveness in his life. He had experienced the grace of God in his life:

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in mercy. (Psalm 103:8)

David had committed adultery and then sought to cover up his crime by committing murder. David deserved God’s wrath, and so do we, but God has provided a means of redemption as we repent of our sin and come to Him in humility:

He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our guilty deeds. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him. (Psalm 103:10-11)

Do you fear the Lord? This type of fear is a reverential awe. We cannot please God in our own strength and that leads us to our need for a Savior. Those who put their faith in the Lord will realize His acceptance. God no longer holds your transgressions against you:

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our wrongdoings from us. (Psalm 103:12)

East and West represent antipodes that shall never meet. God fully accepts you and views you as clothed with Christ’s righteousness. The devil may seek to bring up your past, but all you need to do is remind the devil of his future. Believe in the marvelous truth that you are fully accepted. That’s why David concluded this Psalm with a paean of praise:

Bless the Lord, all you works of His, in all places of His dominion; bless the Lord, my soul! (Psalm 103:22)

Rick Higgins

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark