Rejection – the act of refusing to accept an idea, suggestion, proposal or person.
It seems that almost everyone has or will experience rejection to some level in their lifetime. But why does rejection cut us so deeply and seem to attack the very core and essence of who we are?
Perhaps it is because rejection by design is a way to destroy our life and confidence in who God has created us to be. Jesus said, “I have come to give you abundant life”, but he also said that the devil only seeks to rob, kill and destroy. So the source of rejection is a no brainer. It’s from what I call the “pit” itself. (John 10:10)
Rejection can cause deep emotional wounds if not properly dealt with, which can then grow into spiritual wounds such as un-forgiveness, stubbornness, jealousy, poor self-esteem and envy. These wounds leave an open door in our hearts and warp our identity. Through the cut of rejection we can struggle with issues such as acceptance, not being real with others, self-pity, blaming God for our problems or that we don’t like ourselves, insecurities, worthlessness, fear of confrontation and constantly worrying about what others might think of us. We can even become someone who likes to fix everyone else’s problems because it makes us feel better about ourselves and to feel important and needed.
However, “The root of rejection is actually incredibly simple: damage from rejection is the result of misplaced identity. Whenever we base our identity on somebody or something other than what God says about us we make ourselves vulnerable to the damage of rejection.” (S.Bitcon)
God never created us to ever feel the pain of rejection. He wants us to know who we are, how much He loves us, that He accepts and appreciates us, and that no matter where we go we can never go too far for Him to find us. Where the devil wants to undermine and destroy our identity, self-esteem and life, God wants to build us up, to help us achieve our dreams and for us to understand how deep, wide, long and high His love is for us so that we can then find wholeness and identity in that love. (Ephesians 3:18)
Today I encourage you to think carefully about who defines you and what you base your identity on. Take some time to seek God out and to read His words about what and how He feels about you. For when we base our identity on what He says about us we can become virtually rejection prove because our identity rests in the one who created and thought of us in the first place. He says we are accepted and worthy not because of our performance, popularity, approval or any worth bestowed on us from others, but because we are His children and He loves us.
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”(1 John 3:1-2 NIV)
“The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.“(Psalm 34:18)
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”(Romans 8:31 ESV)
Prayer:Lord thankyou that you love and accept me and only ever want the very best for my life. Please heal any wounds of rejection I may have and fill my heart up with your love. In Jesus name Amen.