"Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes." Ephesians 1:4 (NLT)

"Should I delete my Instagram pic? I only got 12 likes in the first five minutes," I overheard one of my daughters say to the other.

In typical mom fashion, I took that opportunity to remind them that their beauty, value and self?worth did not hinge on the opinions, approvals or disapprovals of others, much less how many "likes" they received on a picture.

And of course, in typical young adult fashion, I got a couple of eye rolls. But that's okay. Because every now and then, we all need to be reminded of the truth.

I get where they're coming from, especially considering today's online culture. I vividly remember what it felt like as a young girl to long for the approval and acceptance of others. I also remember the insecurities that festered in my heart over feeling like I didn't measure up or wasn't accepted by my peers, or by boys. I remember the painful sting of rejection or being excluded - and that was long before everything was on the Internet.

Unfortunately, those longings for acceptance, approval and love don't end after high school or even college. Deep?seated insecurities and the hurt of feeling rejected and unwanted are no less painful as an adult. In fact, those emotions are often personified as we look at others' social media pages and see how many "friends" they have, how perfect their families look, how awesome their husbands seem to be, how great their lives appear and how many "likes" they get on their photos.

But the truth is, behind those photos, real life happens. And it's not always pretty or perfect. In fact, those same women we think have it all together or get the most "likes," probably struggle with deep hidden hurts and the constant unmet need to feel accepted and wanted. To feel loved and treasured, instead of set aside and rejected. To feel we're enough, instead of inadequate.

I'm one of those women. Maybe you are, too.

But what comfort it brings to read Paul's words to God's people in today's key verse: "Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes" (Ephesians 1:4).

How reassuring to know there is One who always accepts us and thinks we are priceless. But the reassurances don't stop there. Paul continues by telling believers, "God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding" (Ephesians 1:5-8, NLT).

Whether we are 9? or 99?years?old, we all want to feel accepted, loved, approved of and liked. Maybe you long for the acceptance and love from a husband, a child, a friend or a community. Maybe there are days when you wonder if you are enough. Days when you lose sight of all the wonderful, unique things about yourself and instead focus on all the wonderful, unique things about everyone else. Everyone else who seems to be more accepted and "liked" than you.

Those are the days when the verses from Ephesians 1 become the perfect poetry to recite in our hearts. They serve as sweet reminders that we have not only been individually chosen by a sovereign God, but that we are also blessed, accepted, forgiven and redeemed. And you can't get any more "liked" than that.

Lord, thank You for choosing me and loving me despite my flaws. Help me to remember this truth on days when I'm feeling like I'm not enough. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

***

TRUTH FOR TODAY:

Isaiah 42:1a, "Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me." (NLT)

1 John 4:18, "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear." (ESV)

RELATED RESOURCES:

If you need a reminder that God has a plan for you, you'll enjoy Tracie Miles' book, Your Life Still Counts.

Become a part of Tracie Miles' Facebook community for weekly inspiration on learning to love yourself and your life. And visit Tracie's blog to download a free 5x7 frameable print to help you remember daily you are chosen and accepted by God.

REFLECT AND RESPOND:

Who or what causes you to feel like you're not accepted or enough? Say a prayer for God to replace those insecurities with holy confidence in who you are in Him and to Him.

Have you been so focused on your own perceived shortcomings or rejection from someone whose approval you longed for that you've forgotten how precious you are to God? What can you do to change your perspective?

© 2016 by Tracie Miles. All rights reserved.