Embracing Our Worth: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

Devotional

Day 1: You Are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

God’s Word declares that each person is intentionally and marvelously created, not by accident or mistake, but with purpose and care. Just as a skilled artist delights in every detail of their masterpiece, God delights in you, having knit you together with love and intention. Even when insecurity whispers that you are not enough, the truth remains: you are fearfully and wonderfully made, set apart by God’s own hands. Embracing this truth is not arrogance, but an act of worship—agreeing with God about the goodness of His creation in you. [20:22]

Psalm 139:13-14 (NRSV)
For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to see yourself as “fearfully and wonderfully made”? How might you begin to see yourself through God’s eyes today?

Day 2: God’s Delight in His Creation

Just as a creator takes joy in the finished work of their hands, God delights in you and in all that He has made. Imagine the pride and joy on the face of someone who has crafted something beautiful—this is how God looks at you, rejoicing over you as His beloved creation. Even when you are tempted to compare yourself to others or feel less than, remember that God’s delight is not based on comparison but on His love for you as you are. [21:39]

Psalm 139:15-16 (NRSV)
My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed.

Reflection: When was the last time you paused to consider that God delights in you? How can you remind yourself of His joy over you this week?

Day 3: Insecurity Distorts Our Identity

Insecurity can weigh us down, causing us to define ourselves by our shortcomings or by the standards of others rather than by God’s truth. It whispers lies that we are not good enough, that we will never measure up, and it keeps us from living the full life God intends. But God calls us to let go of this baggage and to embrace the reality that our identity is rooted in His love and craftsmanship, not in our fears or failures. [18:25]

Isaiah 43:1 (ESV)
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”

Reflection: What is one lie of insecurity you have believed about yourself? What truth from God’s Word can you use to replace it today?

Day 4: Embracing Your Unique Gifts

Each person is created with unique gifts and qualities, and fully embracing who you are honors the Creator. Rather than wishing to be someone else or hiding parts of yourself, you are invited to see even your challenges and quirks as opportunities for God to work through you. When you accept and use your gifts, you not only bless yourself but also create an environment where others are encouraged to do the same, building up the whole community. [45:07]

Romans 12:4-6a (ESV)
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.

Reflection: What is one unique gift or personality trait you have often overlooked or undervalued? How might you use it to serve God and others this week?

Day 5: Living Out Your True Identity

Knowing you are fearfully and wonderfully made is not just a truth to believe, but a reality to live out. When you act from this place of confidence in God’s design, you are freed from the need to compare, to hide, or to strive for perfection. Instead, you can step boldly into the world, loving and serving others, and helping to create a community where everyone is valued as God’s masterpiece. [24:21]

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can “act like” you are fearfully and wonderfully made today—at home, at work, or in your community?

Sermon Summary

The God who created the universe is the same God who created each of us with intention, care, and love. Every detail of creation, from the painted sky to the breath of every living creature, reveals the heart and nature of God. In the same way, each of us is fearfully and wonderfully made, knit together by God’s own hands. Yet, it is often easier to see the beauty and perfection in a sunset or in others than it is to recognize it within ourselves. Insecurity creeps in, whispering lies that we are not enough, that we do not measure up, and that our flaws disqualify us from God’s love and purpose.

But the truth of Psalm 139 is that we are each the “I” in the text. God’s words of affirmation and delight are spoken over us personally. When we begin to see ourselves as God sees us, we are empowered to do the hard work of transformation—not just for ourselves, but for those around us. Insecurity can weigh us down, strain our relationships, and keep us from living the full life God intends. It can cause us to compare ourselves to others, to chase after the fleeting standards of culture, and to doubt the gifts God has placed within us.

Yet, to declare “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” is not arrogance—it is worship. It is agreeing with God about the goodness of God’s creation, including ourselves. When we embrace this truth, we are freed to live authentically, to use even our challenging traits for God’s purposes, and to encourage others to do the same. Our self-acceptance and gratitude become a testimony to God’s creative love, and our willingness to serve and love others flows from knowing we are deeply valued by our Creator.

As we gather around the table, sharing bread and cup, we remember that we are one body, each uniquely made and deeply loved. Let us go forth, letting go of the baggage of insecurity, and live as those who are truly fearfully and wonderfully made.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s creative intention is personal and precise. Just as a skilled knitter crafts each stitch with care and purpose, God has formed every part of us with intention. Recognizing this truth invites us to see ourselves as a unique and cherished work of art, not an accident or afterthought. [21:39]
2. Insecurity distorts our self-perception and limits our potential. When we define ourselves by our fears and perceived shortcomings, we miss out on the fullness of life God desires for us. Naming and confronting these insecurities is the first step toward living in the freedom and confidence that comes from God’s affirmation. [17:45]
3. Affirming our worth is an act of worship, not arrogance. To agree with God about our value is to honor the Creator and the creation. This posture of gratitude and acceptance allows us to live authentically and to reflect God’s love to others without pretense or shame. [23:40]
4. Our transformation impacts others and builds community. When we embrace our God-given identity, we not only change our own lives but also create an environment where others feel safe to do the same. Our journey toward self-acceptance can inspire and uplift those around us, fostering a community of encouragement and support. [43:47]
5. Even our challenging traits can be used for God’s purposes. Instead of wishing away the parts of ourselves we find difficult, we can ask how God might use them for good. Embracing our whole selves, including our struggles, is a way of respecting our Creator and finding new ways to serve and love others. [45:07]
** [45:07]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[06:20] - God’s Creative Word in Creation
[07:02] - God’s Pursuit and Sacrifice
[09:19] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[10:32] - Introduction and Greeting
[11:52] - Prayer for Illumination
[12:34] - Story: Encounter in Baltimore
[15:07] - Transformation Through Psalm 139
[17:07] - Wrestling with Insecurity
[18:25] - The Weight of Insecurity
[19:42] - Reading Psalm 139 Together
[21:00] - The Artistry of God’s Creation
[22:21] - Insecurity vs. God’s Truth
[23:40] - Affirming Our Worth as Worship
[24:21] - Living as Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
[41:10] - Table Reflections and Sharing
[47:05] - Love Feast and Communion
[47:47] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV) — For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.

Observation Questions

According to Psalm 139:13-14, what does the psalmist say about how God created us?
In the sermon, what example did Pastor Michelle use to illustrate how God’s creative process is intentional and personal? ([21:00])
What are some of the lies that insecurity whispers to us, as mentioned in the sermon? ([18:25])
How did the woman in Pastor Michelle’s story come to realize her identity in Psalm 139? ([15:48])

Interpretation Questions

What does it mean to be “fearfully and wonderfully made” in the context of the psalm and the sermon? How does this shape the way we see ourselves? ([20:22])
Why is it sometimes easier to see God’s handiwork in creation or in others, but harder to see it in ourselves? ([41:51])
The sermon says that affirming our worth is an act of worship, not arrogance. Why might some people struggle with this idea? ([23:40])
How can embracing our God-given identity impact the people and community around us? ([43:47])

Application Questions

Pastor Michelle shared that insecurity can weigh us down and keep us from living the full life God intends. What is one area of your life where insecurity has held you back? How might naming it be the first step toward freedom? ([17:45])
When you look at yourself, is it easier to notice your flaws or your God-given gifts? Why do you think that is? ([41:51])
The sermon encourages us to declare, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” How comfortable are you with saying this about yourself? What makes it hard or easy for you? ([23:40])
Think about a trait or part of your personality that you find challenging. How might God use even this part of you for good? ([45:07])
In what ways do you find yourself comparing your life to others or to cultural standards? How does this affect your sense of worth? ([22:21])
How can you encourage someone else this week to see themselves as “fearfully and wonderfully made”? Be specific—who is it, and what will you say or do? ([43:47])
As we gather around the table and remember we are one body, what is one way you can help build a community where others feel safe to be their authentic selves? ([47:05])

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