The Only Opinion That Matters

I’ve been the target of some criticism recently. I’m the first to admit that I’m not perfect and it's my prayer that the Holy Spirit will convict me and I will make amends when I am at fault. It’s hard to come to grips with the fact that some people don’t really need a reason to criticize others. They are disgruntled with life in general and you can’t take it personally when they treat you with contempt.

Have you ever been the victim of false accusations? It’s very frustrating when people pass judgment concerning something without finding out whether it’s true or not. One thing that baffles me about myself is the fact that I allow someone’s bad opinion of me to cloud what I know to be true. Why would we believe something about ourselves that we know is not true? We forget that our enemy is clever and knows all about our insecurities. “Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” I Peter 5:8

It’s imperative that we saturate our minds with God’s opinion of us! We are His children: “But to all who believed in (Jesus) and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12) He loves us more than we can imagine: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3) David asked God to “keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.” (Psalm 17:8).

The thought of God “hiding” us is quite comforting:

“You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in Your presence, far from accusing tongues.” Psalm 31:20

“For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.” Psalm 27:5

I have been reading the Psalms on a regular basis and find that they minister to me when I’m facing adversity. Whatever you are facing right now, I hope that God will assure you that His opinion of you never changes…"His faithful love endures forever." (Psalm 106:1)

“But I will give repeated thanks to the Lord, praising Him to everyone. For He stands beside the needy, ready to save them from those who condemn them.” (Psalm 109:30-31)