Designed by God
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence,with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Psalm 16:11 NIV)
In order to be yourself around others, you have to know who “you” are and be comfortable with it. Your opinion of yourself affects all your relationships, your relationship with God as well as with other people. When you are yourself, you’re at peace with whom God has made you to be—with the appearance, skills, personality, strengths, and weaknesses that you’ve been given, and you’re at peace with your life—what you’ve been through and where you are today.
As Paul put it “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”, it’s a state of contentment, regardless of your situation or feelings or anything.
Instead of comparing yourself with others, focus on valuing yourself because God values you. Remind yourself that God paid careful attention when He created you and He loves you just the way you are. You are a unique individual; there is no one else in the world just like you. You have been specifically designed by God to be someone special in this world. Celebrate that specialness!
As you learn to accept the wonderful, unique individual that God has created you to be, you will become at peace with who you are. And that peace and contentment will not only have a positive effect on you, but on others as well. [1]
Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day. - Henri J.M. Nouwen
[1] Anchor The Uniqueness of You
