Susan Narjala
Keeping it Real
When He Says: “That’s My Girl”
Maybe it’s the generation I’m from. Most likely it’s my cultural background. Or perhaps it’s my Catholic school upbringing. But, like many others (read: women who through nature or nurture have learned self-effacement), I’m not good with receiving and believing compliments or affirmations. When someone shares positive feedback about my writing, for instance, in my mind I dismiss it quicker than a teenager rolling their eyes at their parent’s jokes. More recently, I’ve learned to choke out a quick, “Thank you!” – but inside I’m at a solid C-minus when it comes to accepting praise.
In some ways, my attitude is perhaps a good thing. After all, I don’t want to be swayed by affirmations. Or feel dismayed and rejected when I don’t receive those words.
But here’s the thing. That same “Nah, that can’t be true” attitude has crept into my relationship with God.
Let me explain. When I read Scripture, I often ask myself questions like: “What can I learn from this passage?” or “What is God convicting me about?” or “How am I being compelled to change?”
Those, I believe, are good questions. Necessary questions that help us grow in our faith.
But, the other day, as I was spending time with God, I felt in my spirit a wonderful sense that – okay, here goes – God is proud of me.
*Gulp
*Whaatt?
*Is that even Christian to think, leave alone voice aloud on a public platform?
*Where’s the humility? Where’s the ‘less of me’ filter?
But, dear friend, I do believe that just as God convicts, He also confirms His love by saying: Hey, kid, I’m proud of you!
Just as a parent’s eyes light up as they look at their children, I believe that God looks on His creation with surpassing delight. And sometimes it’s okay – it’s more than okay – to receive His words when He says, “That’s my girl” or “There’s my guy!”
He loves seeing us grow in faith. He loves our acts of kindness when no one is watching. He is unbelievably proud of how we trust Him through the unknown. Of how we’ve stepped out of the boat even though the waters look turbulent. Of how we’ve taken that risk because it brings Him glory. Of how we’ve not acted out in retaliation because we trust He’s in control.
Those are not words that bolster egos but words that break us down. That the God of the universe would deem to be mindful of me and let me know that I’m doing okay? That humbles me and brings me to my knees in absolute adoration.
Those are not words that foster boastfulness – but words that nurture belonging.
Those are not words that shout independence – but words that whisper intimacy.
When He says He’s proud of you, we turn back to praise of Him because we know from Whom the strength or the fearlessness or the ability to live right come from. None of this from ourselves that we should boast. Not in the teeniest bit can I brag because left to myself, I would be a stinkin’ mess. He’s proud of you because you are His. He shows you off as His redeemed, His blameless one, His chosen generation, His royal priesthood. Once we were not a people, but now you are His person.
Dear friend, if you’re accustomed to always being in learning mode, know that there’s also a time for leaning in.
So lean in and listen to His heart. Because He rejoices over you with singing. He says that you’re the apple of His eye. He says that you’re a royal diadem in His hands.
Perhaps you need to hear these words today as I needed to receive and believe those words for myself: He is pleased with you. He’s your Abba Father and He’s looking at you and saying, “I’m proud of you.” And sometimes we just need to soak in that love and bask in the warmth of the Father’s delight.
MEET SUSAN
Comments
4 Comments
Smita
Echo your thoughts, Susan. This year has been one where I rediscovered God’s love for me that in turn enabled me to love him (and also others!) more!
I really liked it when you said, “where is the less of me” filter? I think by default we often think less of how much God loves us and more about where we fall short. But I’m slowly realizing that thinking and thanking God for his love makes me less selfish and more concerned about others. It’s a strange equation to grasp!
Susan Narjala
Thanks for sharing those wise thoughts, Smita! You’re so right – dwelling on God’s love for us makes us love Him and others more. Take care! – Susan
Siju Oommen George
Dear Susan,
You have a gift of putting deeper stuff in a way common people can easily understand and I love that 🙂 I struggle to do that! Lol! Keeping things short is another struggle….
I chuckled as I read about your struggle. Because this is something we all struggle with when we first become Christians regardless of our upbringing which also makes its own contribution.
In my own life, I have felt it was a problem with a wrong “self-image”
Because we come into Grace as pardoned sinners.
But though we know God has pardoned us it takes some time for us to pardon ourselves.
That is normal because we become forgiving people only to the degree Christ is formed in us. He is the real forgiver in us, just as the Holy Spirit was the one who confessed through us that Jesus Christ is Lord ( 1 Corinthians 12:3 )
There are many things I learned from the bible as well as from other writings that helped me out of this.
But the ones that struck me were from Andrew Murray and the missionary Norman P Grubb.
It was from Andrew Murra’s book “Humility” ( https://bit.ly/3o9NjlR ) that I learned.
“ The strength of self-condemnation is NOT the secret of humility.”
And it was from Norman P Grubb’s writings such as “It’s As Simple As This” ( https://bit.ly/39rbIPI ) and “Free to Be Ourselves” ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqSSIrO8CLI ) that I learned that when I was born again I was recreated as a NEW SELF, who is “created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness”. ( Ephesians 4:24 )
In early Christian life, I knew God was proud of me if I did something like those in Hebrews 11.
“People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had the opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. THEREFORE God is NOT ASHAMED to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them” ( Hebrews 11:14-16 )
But it is much later that I realized that God is proud of me because of what HE HAS DONE in me.
For both the One who sanctifies and those who are sanctified ARE ALL OF ONE SOURCE. THEREFORE Jesus is NOT ASHAMED to call them brothers. ( Hebrews 2:11 )
And this realization sank deeper I also understood that if I did anything excellent it was not I who actually did it but it was Christ living through me AS me. And the “thank you” belonged to Christ. And Christ shares His joy with me. So there absolutely no need to feel bad to enjoy the “thank you”. Because it is HE working through me and HE enjoying through me. I am just sharing in His life, his joys, his sorrows. And it is the same when people abuse me. It is the reproach of Christ ( Hebrews 11:26 ) my treasure.
Psalm 18:35 You have given me the shield of your salvation, and YOUR right hand supported me, and YOUR gentleness has made me great.
Psalm 69:9 Because zeal for Your house has eaten me up, And the reproaches of those who reproach YOU have fallen on me.
That is the beauty and joy of being a “Vessel of God” ( 2 Corinthians 4:7 ).
If they have to taste God they have to sip us!!! Lol!!
There is nothing wrong with enjoying the affection that comes from the lips, the only thing that we should be aware of is that “the cup should not think it is the Tea” LOL!!! 🙂
Susan Narjala
Great thoughts! Thanks for sharing. I especially like that quote you shared – “The strength of self-condemnation is NOT the secret of humility.” Blessings, Susan