Being Fully Known and Deeply Loved

Repeat after me: I am fully known and deeply loved by God. I love affirmations that come directly from God’s Word. Yet, believing those affirmations can be difficult sometimes due to the critical inner voice that tells us lies.

Two years ago, I listened to “You Say” by Lauren Daigle for the first time. Immediately, I found myself relating to the feelings of inadequacy and the deep longing of wanting to be seen, heard, and accepted. Like many others, I struggle with the negative voice in my head that tells me “you are worthless” or” you are not enough.”

To fully heal and be completely whole

Some days, I find myself craving belongingness. It is a response to my inner child who felt unseen and so small. As a result, I’ve internalized that childhood rejection by wanting to be seen as an adult. Admittedly, I know that self-awareness is integral to healing and personal growth. I share this because I know someone reading this can relate to this too.

For instance, I will be in settings where I hear exchanges of inside jokes and stories. Meanwhile, I become anxious because I do not understand what is going on. I’ll be amongst folks who have clearly formed quiet silos or cliques, and I’m the awkward one out. These kinds of moments become triggering as I start spiraling down a rabbit hole with my thoughts. Eventually, my anxiety and discomfort intensify, as I relive the feelings of the girl I was from ages 12-16. It has been a pattern all throughout primary to high school, in college, graduate school and in work experiences. What’s particularly hard about not internalizing feeling “left out,” is truly believing there is nothing flawed in me. Why exclude me? Where do I fit in? Why don’t I belong? It’s an uphill battle mentally.

To be fully known and deeply loved

A few months ago, I began journaling again to help me recognize negative thought patterns and to reframe my thinking. For every toxic thought, I have a scripture that cancels it out. There are moments where I am alone and shed tears because of the sheer beauty and power of God’s beliefs about me. Some of my favorite affirmations come from Psalm 139:

“Lord, You have searched me and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue You know it completely.” Psalm 139:1-4

The verses from Psalm 139:1-4 remind me that being noticed by the world doesn’t compare to being infinitely known by God. Because He knows me, I can find acceptance. In Him, I know where my identity lies. And In Him, I am fully seen. 

This message is for anyone dealing with rejection or still healing from wounds left by childhood experiences. Ask God to help you change your inner narrative. Contrary to what you may think, we each have the power to change our thoughts. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8 NIV). Our worth comes through knowing and experiencing the love of God. We can then truly see ourselves in the way that He sees us.

Prayer: God, as I repeat my godly affirmations, help me to make a conscious effort to believe them too.