Overcoming a Poor Self-Image
Adapted from Closer to God Each Day
God said, Let Us [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit] make mankind in Our image, after Our likeness….
Second Samuel 9 tells the story of Mephibosheth, the grandson of King Saul and the son of Jonathan. Crippled as a youth, Mephibosheth had a poor self-image. Instead of seeing himself as the rightful heir to his father’s and grandfather’s legacy, he saw himself as someone who would be rejected.
When David sent for Mephibosheth, he fell down before the king and displayed fear. David told him not to fear, that he intended to show Mephibosheth kindness because of David’s covenant with Jonathan. Mephibosheth’s initial response is an important example of the kind of poor self-image we all need to overcome.
A poor self-image causes us to operate in fear instead of faith. We look at what is wrong with us instead of what is right with Jesus. He has taken our wrongs and given us His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). We can joyfully walk in the reality of that truth.
I love the end of the story. David blessed Mephibosheth for Jonathan’s sake. He gave him servants and land and provided for all of his needs. God will bless us for Jesus’ sake!
We can all relate Mephibosheth’s lameness to our own weaknesses. We may also fellowship and eat with our King Jesus—despite our faults and weaknesses.
Prayer of the Day: Father, You know my struggles. Help me overcome any issue I have with self-image and only see myself as You see me. Help me to walk in faith and righteousness and embrace Your many blessings as Your beloved child, amen.
