Am I Worthless?

Am I worthless?

The National Institute of Mental Health states that feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness can be hallmarks of depression, especially if you experience these feelings every day for most of the day for 2 weeks or longer.

Many people feel worthless sometimes. During those times it can be easy to focus on the negative aspects of life, rather than the positive ones (Positive aspects or qualities are often ignored or dismissed since they do not interfere with life.). One may feel hopeless, insignificant, guilty, beyond help, and like things will never change.

According to Star Meadow Counseling, counselors often “hear clients describe their feelings during these moments as ‘worthless.’” It’s as if some lack of performing, achieving, belonging, or approval could strip away a person’s value as a human, leaving him/her with a sense of emptiness.

It’s even a common occurrence among those who are seeking a relationship with Jesus Christ to wonder, “Am I worthy?” I have heard people say far too often that “Jesus couldn’t possibly want me after the way I have lived.”

It’s funny. Some of the greatest influencers of our faith had similar thoughts of being not good enough or not worthy:

John the Baptist:

When he saw Jesus approaching, he confessed: “He that comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear.” He also said, “the sandals of whose feet I am unworthy to untie.”

Peter:

After witnessing the miraculous catch of fish, Peter said, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man.”

Imagine how he must have felt after his denial on the night Jesus was arrested!

The Roman Centurion in Matthew 8:

“When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help.  ‘Lord,’ he said, ‘my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.’

“Jesus said to him, ‘Shall I come and heal him?’

“The centurion replied, ‘Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.'” 

Paul:

He referred to himself as “the least of the apostles” and said he was “not worthy to be called an apostle” because he had persecuted the church.

The truth, in God’s own words

God’s truth looks like this:

It is not His will that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him and he with me.” Rev 3:20

As many as received Him, to them He gave the power to become the sons of God, even to those who believed in His name. John 1:12

For the “worthless”

To us, the unworthy who seek His forgiveness and grace, He does not give punishment, ridicule, or disregard. He gives us power to become heirs and joint heirs to the Kingdom!

While Jesus was on this planet he gave everything of Himself to his disciples. He invited them to share in His life, His love for the people, His power to heal, … and His suffering. When the time came for Him to die, He gave absolutely everything to free us all from our sins and bring us home to the Father’s love. He did not promise a perfect life, but He did promise a perfect eternity.

The truth is, God has always considered us worth rescuing. None of us feel 100%  comfortable with that. God knew we couldn’t rescue ourselves, so He, Himself, did it all on our account. He provided the rescue plan, the sacrifice, and the circumstances to make it happen. He is still extending His hand.

The invitation

Ephesians 2:13 At one time you were far away from God. But now in Christ Jesus you are brought near to God through the blood of Christ’s death. Because of Christ we now have peace. 

Revelation 21:4:  He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Bottom line: I am worthy. You are worthy. But not because of any works we have done. We are made worthy by what He has done through the shedding of His blood, because He loves us too much to desire eternity without us. All we have to do is tell Him yes.

“What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the Blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the Blood of Jesus. O, precious is that flow that makes me white as snow. No other fount I know–nothing but the Blood of Jesus.”

God bless you; You are not worthless, for He has made you worthy!