After all these years with You, why am I still insecure? Why am I afraid when others are doing great things, believing “better”, walking more faithfully…that You will like me less? After all these years of Your Patient Touch and Teaching of who I am in and because of You and who I am to You, why do I still wrestle with inferiority–as if what I bring determines my value? “Boast only in the Lord”. When I truly absorb this truth, I might finally understand that whatever others are privileged to do–is because of You, Your choices for them, Your purposes prepared in advance for their lives. And anything I get to do is the same; because of You alone. Perhaps when I truly grasp this reality, I will finally quit striving to earn Your approval, acceptance, attention and affection. And I will realize that You knit me together precisely, carefully, lovingly and wonderfully. Just as You knit together all who live, have lived and will live. And You are pleased. Our value and security is in our identity in You. Who am I to scoff at Your workmanship in my life?

You are the Vine, we are the branches. Branches look different; some are knotty, some thick, some bent, some rough…but as long as we remain connected to the Vine, we can be assured, in spite of how our particular branch might appear or differ, we are throbbing with purposeful, vibrant, blessed, delightful life. Because of You-the Vine.