Editor's note: Yesterday, we shared a devotion from A Woman’s Guide to Praying the Scriptures by Stormie Omartian. You can read it here and then continue reading below.
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My earliest memory of rejection is of being locked in a closet by my mother. Had it been an isolated incident, it might not have been so bad. But it wasn’t. As a result, I grew up feeling rejected, and the feelings of rejection grew in me until no amount of affirmation and encouragement could overcome them. I became an overachiever to gain approval. I worked hard so that people would notice me and say I did a good job. When they did, the good feeling only lasted for the moment. I was certain that if people really knew the truth about me and my limitations, they would not have such a favorable opinion. I expected rejection. But after I became a Christian, I learned that it’s not God’s will for His children to continue in patterns of defeat. Maybe you can relate. If you’re struggling with the impact of rejection, be encouraged, because it’s God’s will for you to overcome rejection.
Key Scripture
The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: ‘Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you’. — Jeremiah 31:3
Prepare to Pray
The lie we believe when we feel rejection is, I’m not worth anything, so it’s completely understandable that people will reject me. A spirit of rejection convinces you that you will be rejected, and then every word and action of other people is interpreted through the eyes of rejection. Each of us has been rejected—by a family member, a friend, a teacher, a stranger, or a casual acquaintance. When we’re emotionally healthy, such an incident won’t set us back much. We are soon able to put it in perspective and get over it.
But if we have deep emotional scars from repeated incidents of rejection, the smallest incident will feel like a knife to the heart. But the good news is, that if you belong to Jesus Christ there is no reason for you to continue to suffer with rejection. When you begin to understand the truth about your identity in Christ, you’ll know you are truly accepted, embraced, and loved by the God who chose you. Regardless of what other people say or do, if you are a Christian, your identity is found in Christ. And what the Bible says about you is the truth you live by.
Study the Scriptures
- Look up and read Hebrews 13:5. How does knowing God will never leave you or forsake you impact your feelings about rejection?
- Look up and read Psalm 23:5 and visualize God preparing a table for you in the presence of your enemies and inviting you to take your seat. How does knowing you have a place where you are welcome at God’s table influence your thoughts about rejection?
- Look up and read Psalm 27:10. What does this passage say about being rejected by family?
- Write down the people and situations that have caused you to feel rejected. Use this list as a prayer guide and ask God to fill the voids where you feel rejected. Look up Scripture passages that speak directly to your feelings of rejection.
- Look up the following passages and consider how they relate to rejection. How can you apply these truths to your own life?
Deuteronomy 7:6
1 Samuel 12:22
Isaiah 41:9–10
Psalm 94:12–15
Hebrews 13:5–6
Respond to God’s Word
The best way to confront a spirit of rejection is to fill yourself with the knowledge of God’s acceptance. Find all the verses in the Bible about God’s acceptance and compile a list. As you read, study, and pray these verses you’ll develop a much deeper understanding of God’s love and how to receive it.
God said, “I chose you out of the world” (John 15:19). We did not choose Jesus first; He chose us. We must learn to live like the chosen ones we are. When you sense the red light of rejection flashing off and on in your brain over some word or action someone has said or done, remember that Jesus chose you. Remember, too, that the voice of God always encourages; the voice of the devil always discourages. If you can’t see anything good about yourself, it’s because the devil has covered up your future with the past. Keep in mind, there will be times when people disappoint you and you’ll feel the sting of rejection.
But when you are convinced of God’s love and acceptance you’ll be able to move forward knowing that no matter what—you are loved, wanted, and well cared for in Christ.
Pray the Scriptures
Dear Lord, I have felt the pain of rejection (name specific circumstance). God, I know it is not Your will for me to live with feelings of chronic rejection. I thank You because Your Word promises that You will never leave or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5). Even when other people disappoint me, I know that You will always do what is best for me. Even if other people do reject me, I know that You have chosen me (John 15:19). Jesus, help me to remember that You love me so much You gave Your life for me (John 3:16). I pray Your everlasting love will help me overcome my feelings of rejection.
Look over the scriptures you studied today and let them guide you as you write your own prayer that addresses your specific needs.
Excerpted with permission from A Woman’s Guide to Praying the Scriptures by Stormie Omartian, copyright Stormie Omartian.
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Your Turn
You can heal from the wounds of rejection. You are truly accepted, embraced, and loved by the God who chose you. Regardless of what other people say or do, if you are a Christian, your identity is found in Christ. Live by the truths of Scripture! ~ Devotionals Daily