1.16.2023 Devotion - "Worth Protecting"

The devotion discusses the importance of protecting ourselves and believing that we are worth protecting. It mentions how witnessing mistreatment can make us feel enraged, but if we were abused or neglected in the past, we may have internalized the belief that we are not worth protecting. However, as we reclaim our lives, we can resist this belief and value ourselves. We surround ourselves with supportive people, avoid harmful situations, and have a plan for when we stumble. The devotion encourages us to ask ourselves if we had someone protecting us when we were young and to assess the measures we have in place to protect ourselves now. It concludes with a prayer for strength and recovery. Good morning. Today's devotion is titled, Worth Protecting. The scripture comes from the book of Psalms, chapter 121, verse 5. The Lord himself watches over you. The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. When we learn of vulnerable children or helpless animals being mistreated, most of us feel enraged. We understand at a very deep level that what they've endured is wrong. But if we were exposed to abuse or neglect when we were young, if no one effectively stood up for us or protected us, we might have internalized the message that we are not worth protecting. As we take our lives back, however, we can begin resisting that faulty assumption. We learn to value ourselves, our lives, and the progress we've made. We gather with others for strength and protect ourselves with truth. We also develop strategies for avoiding places and people that could reverse the gains we've made. We become so grounded in reality that we are no longer confused about where we've been or where we're going. We even have a plan in place for what to do if we stumble and fall. We learn to protect ourselves because we finally believe in our bones that we are worth protecting. Ask yourself this question, number one. Was there someone committed to protecting you when you were young? If not, what has been the fallout in your life? And two, what measures have you put in place to protect yourself today? Asking God, Lord, you are my protector. Your love has convinced me at last that I am worth protecting. Strengthen me to be wise as I live as a new person, holy and beloved. I pray that this devotion has been helpful for you today, and I also pray for your day of recovery.