Daily Power #76

If our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask. (1 John 3:21–22)

I hold myself and others to a high standard. While I like pursuing excellence, I also know the way our Enemy can play mind games and use it against me.

I believe this is the case for most of us—we are our own worst critics.

While others may criticize us, they’re only reinforcing what we’re already telling ourselves. Especially when we begin comparing ourselves to others, we start holding ourselves to an impossible standard that traps us in a cycle of trying harder, failing, then feeling ashamed, only to try harder again. Throw in a few of life’s curveballs, and it’s no wonder we often struggle in our faith.

But this fight has already been won for us.

When we accept God’s free gift of salvation and embrace his forgiveness through Christ, we no longer face condemnation from anyone—including ourselves.

When it feels that God has forgiven us more easily than we can forgive ourselves, we must learn to quiet our inner critic.

As we grow in our faith, we become more aware of our true identity. We are God’s children, created in his image for good works.

God says you are worthy. He forgives you when you fail. Your confidence comes from relying on him as your power source. Don’t believe what anyone else—including yourself—may try to tell you when it’s contrary to his truth.

Power Lift

Dear Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I know that there is now nothing that separates me from God’s love. Remind me today to hold onto this truth whenever I feel like I’m not good enough.