The Beauty of Being {CHOSEN}

Lately I've been somewhat caught up with the idea of being chosen. 

I blame Pinterest a little bit. 

But even before Pinterest, I wanted to be chosen for the kickball team at recess. I wanted to be chosen for the part in the school play. I wanted to be chosen for that after school job. There is something inside each of us that longs to be desired. We crave belonging and acceptance. It's a part of who we are. Everyone has experienced the pain of rejection from not being chosen. It hurts in a deep place in our hearts.

I don't care about kickball or school plays anymore. Now, I dream of being chosen as a wife. I want God to send "just the right" man to say, "Hey you! I choose you!" And I want to relish in the glory of being chosen. I want to be secure in his acceptance and affection. Also, "he" probably shouldn't refer to me as "Hey you!", but we'll work on that.

Next to blame after Pinterest is Sara Bareilles' new song "I Choose You" -- I've been listening to it on repeat. I love this song! 

At some point in the midst of this fixation with the idea of being CHOSEN, 

I realized that... I am. 

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God’s] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." 1 Peter 2:9

[See a more thorough analysis on this commentary from Bible Hub.]

I have been CHOSEN by God! I have a purpose - to reflect Jesus in how I live because He is worthy of glory as the One who covers darkness with light. 

Even if I am rejected by many, I am abundantly loved and accepted by the only One who's affection is unfailing and never ending. What a relief to know that I am chosen, just as my heart was made to desire. Jesus satisfies even our greatest, deepest needs!

"But now, this is what the Lord says—
    he who created you, Jacob,
    he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
    Cush[a] and Seba in your stead.
4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
    and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
    nations in exchange for your life.
5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you[...]".

Isaiah 43:1-5a