There are countless ways that we may experience rejection. From childhood to adulthood, these wounds are usually inflicted by those with whom we felt safe such as parents, partners, or other influential people. When we are experiencing the fallout from disapproval, denied love, attention, or interest, it is important that we soak in the Truth of God’s Word as our remedy.
Although the enemy seeks to destroy us with perception, whether it is how we perceive others or how we believe that they see us, he operates in lies. While everyone may not receive the gift of who we are, we still have immeasurable value.
When we elevate the opinion of people above our Maker, we afflict our souls with shame and rejection. As a result, we partner with insecurity and agree with a lowly self-view that God didn’t create or endorse.
Although others may have rejected you, the Father does not. Others may have withdrawn themselves from you, but you can embrace the self-compassion and grace to heal and redeem what is broken and lost. Search Scripture and find where you are seen and known, accepted, and beloved as the Father’s dear child.
Fight rejection by agreeing with God’s Word
Break up with the wrong view that suggests you are inadequate in any way. The voice of the accuser often works against us to promote insecurity and disconnection from our true identity.
When we consistently read and hear the Truth of God’s Word, we train our souls to identify with it personally. When we submit ourselves to God’s authority, despite what our emotions and experiences may scream, we transform and evolve. This frees us to encounter and discover who God knew was there all along.
Acknowledge what the Father calls good
You worship God when you agree with Him and admire the mastery of His divine creation. Arrogance puffs itself up in pride, but humility praises the rightness and goodness of God as Sovereign over all of His creation. Insecurity downgrades what God esteems, placing focus on oneself. Confidence, on the other hand, aligns one’s view with the Almighty. This gives glory to Him for every good and perfect gift that emerges from Him alone.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. – James 1:17, NIV
Note your innate abilities. Be specific in considering where God has uniquely gifted you.
God is creative and has likely nudged you into a direction to pursue an interest or expand involvement where your heart is calling.
If you haven’t developed skills in areas where natural talent intersects with your interests, then begin there, building on what has captured your attention. A world of discovery awaits to encounter you and your curiosity. Consider how you can build on that. You could take a class, or explore a hobby through online or community resources.
Deal with rejection by affirming yourself
Creating confessions about what God says is a helpful practice for many believers challenged by insecurity and a history of rejection. Engage in a practice that personalizes Scripture that declares what God says about you by placing your name in the verses where the Holy Spirit leads. By creating and rehearsing affirmations regularly, you build confidence in God and yourself. This helps you learn to celebrate the authentic gift God shaped you to be in the world.
Accept the gift of relationship
Connect with a community of people who offer the strength and support to see yourself differently. Whether it consists of one or several individuals, the reassuring presence of others helps to heal, grow, and change.
Often, it is through interdependent connection with others that the Holy Spirit reveals blind spots you wouldn’t ordinarily see if you remain isolated. A supportive and healthy community helps you to keep showing up authentically and helps to recalibrate when tempted to recede into insecurity’s old patterns.
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. – James 5:16, NIV
Next steps
Through all of this, the Holy Spirit remains present as both coach and cheerleader. He will encourage and bring Scriptures to counsel you out of insecurity’s misguided mindset, while also addressing the impact of emotions that need to be acknowledged. While this is a personal development journey, you aren’t alone.
Not only do you have the divine Helper that Jesus promised, but you can also access resources and support through this site. Contact a counselor at Flower Mound Christian Counseling to schedule your first appointment to help you heal the wounds of rejection, and discover, embrace, and celebrate the emerging gift of you.
Photo:
“Hisma Desert”, Courtesy of NEOM, Unsplash.com, CC0 License
-
Kate Motaung: Curator
Kate Motaung is the Senior Writer, Editor, and Content Manager for a multi-state company. She is the author of several books including Letters to Grief, 101 Prayers for Comfort in Difficult Times, and A Place to Land: A Story of Longing and Belonging...
DISCLAIMER: THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
Articles are intended for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice; the content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All opinions expressed by authors and quoted sources are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, publishers or editorial boards of Stone Oak Christian Counseling. This website does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Site. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk.