Provider of Esteem and Emotional Stability

Who is God? Jehovah Jireh

The Provider of Esteem and Emotional Stability

Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (NIV)

 

 

                   There are many people who suffer from low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy. It could have begun as a child being unpopular in school, feeling unloved by family, never appreciated at work, or a result of an abusive relationship. Whatever the source, those who suffer from this have one thing in common…they need an understanding of what Jehovah Jireh says and thinks about them instead of negative people. Jehovah Jireh created us and has told us in His word what He thinks and feels for us. Jeremiah 1:4-5 The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” The text lets us know that we were on God’s mind before we were ever created. Therefore, Jehovah Jireh is the source from which we can gather good self-esteem. He builds His children up and does not wish for them to feel worthless and inadequate. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (KJV) When we think ill of ourselves, we are actually saying that God made a mistake, at which, He never does.
               In a society that places a lot of emphasis on outward beauty, we can be easily caught up in trying to appease the world and meet up to their standards. However, our focus, as children of the Most High, should be on what is on the inside of us, for this is what God judges us on. 1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (NIV) The outward beauty of man will fade, but the Lord is looking for those who have their hearts beautified in Him. Now let’s go over some of the emotional needs that Jehovah Jireh provides for His children to help us obtain optimal self-worth in Him, ourselves, and the ability to have a positive overflow to others, by the controlling of our emotions.  

 Anger

               The world is suffering from people who do not know how to control their anger. Every day on the news, you can see the evidence of this by all the shootings, stabbings, rapes, and even beheadings that are done on a daily basis. The source of this emotion is the devil himself when displayed in the wrong manner. James 1:19-21 ⁽¹⁹⁾My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, ⁽²⁰⁾for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. ⁽²¹⁾Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you which can save you. (NIV) Anger can be an ugly demonic tool if allowed to fester in the heart. We see this take place in the story of Cain and Abel. Genesis 4:3-8 ⁽³⁾In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. ⁽⁴⁾But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, ⁽⁵⁾but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. ⁽⁶⁾Then the Lord said o Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? ⁽⁷⁾If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right sin is crouching at your door, it desires to have you, but you must master it. ⁽⁸⁾Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. (NIV)

              
          Cain allowed his anger to get the best of him even after being warned by God concerning it. It is natural to get angry about things, but we must not allow it to cause us to sin and do harm to others rather physically or by our tongue. Many people have suffered emotionally due to someone spitting out venom from their tongues. James 3:8 But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. (NIV) We cannot tame our tongue on our own. However, Jehovah Jireh has given us the Holy Spirit who can help us to be able to build people up rather than break them down.

Guilt and Condemnation

                 The world can be a place that is harsh and cold. The world will hold the mistakes of a person’s past over them regardless of how much a person has changed. The world says, “I remember when…” and the stain of a dark past forever remains current in the minds of many. Unfortunately, it is not limited to the world, but those in the body of Christ are guilty of this as well. Nevertheless, Jehovah Jireh shows His children compassion instead of condemnation. He’s declared us innocent instead of guilty through the blood of the Lamb. The only thing we have to do is accept His free gift of Salvation. Romans 8:1-2 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. (NIV) We are to never allow our pasts to dictate our future. Also, we are never to hold the past of others over their heads as well. Jehovah Jireh gives us a fresh start when we accept Him into our hearts. It doesn’t matter what people say and think, but what our Lord says about us because there is NO ONE worthy of the grace of God, for we ALL have sinned. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (NIV)

 

Forgiveness

                Forgiveness may be one of the hardest things that a person can do, and it plays a huge part in emotional balance. You may have experienced hurt by the words of someone close to you and have feelings of bitterness built up inside. You may have been the recipient of an unfaithful spouse and the indiscretion keeps replaying over and over in your mind. You may have harmed someone physically and there is no way to undo the damage that has been done. You may have done a lot of hurtful things to others that you may have a hard time just forgiving yourself. Whichever side of the fence you’re on, Jehovah Jireh is the Provider of forgiveness.

               Peter asked Jesus the question of how many times we should forgive. Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me Up to seven times? Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. (NIV) Jesus gave Peter this response because Jehovah Jireh gives us forgiveness constantly. None of us are worthy of His forgiveness, for sin disqualified us, but the blood of Jesus qualified us and therefore, we are to show the same mercy to others. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Not only is forgiveness necessary to receive it from God, but it also has good health benefits as well, which lets us know that Jehovah Jireh knew what He was doing when He required that we reciprocate the forgiveness He gives to others.
               According to the Mayo Clinic’s website, forgiveness is beneficial to healthy living because it leads to:

·         Better relationships

·         Increased Spiritual and psychological well-being

·         Higher sense of self-worth

·         Healthy heart

·         Decrease in anxiety and stress

·         A strong immune system

·         Low blood pressure

·         Proliferation in happiness

·         Less symptoms of aggression

Because our temples belong to God, we are to take good care of them. Part of taking care of our temples is letting go of past hurts and allowing Jehovah Jireh to provide us with a heart of forgiveness. 1 Corinthians 6:19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you are bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. (NIV)

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