Nothing hurts worse than rejection. Whether you're the last one chosen for a team in gym or your crush totally blows you off when you ask them to the movies on Friday night—rejection is definitely the worst! We feel it deep in the pit of our stomachs, can't we? That terrible, gnawing feeling of being unwanted, unloved, and unappreciated.
So how can we get over that dreaded, sinking, embarrassing feeling? Well, there's good news and bad news. The bad news is that there will always be those times when we will be rejected by people; it's not something we'll ever grow out of. Sadly, no matter what we do, everyone eventually has to face rejection in one way or another.
The good news is that God will always accept and receive us no matter what! Psalm 27:10 says, "Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me." Even if our parents reject us, God says He will still be there for us. After all, we don't call Him our "Heavenly Father" for nothing. He's the ultimate good parent!
It's easy to become caught up in what others think about us. Whether it's our rejection or approval, we always seem to take to heart what others say. But rejection by people will be much easier to bear when we know we will always be accepted by Christ.
Don't let one person's opinion of you shape your entire self-image. Just because one person doesn't choose to love or accept you—for whatever reason—that does not mean that you are unlovable. Psalm 139:14 says, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." You are wonderful because God says so. And who can argue with God?
Jesus also knows what it is like to be rejected, but He never let that change the shape of His holy character. Not only was He beaten and ridiculed before and during His crucifixion, but many today reject Him by not allowing Him into their hearts. Jesus definitely understands what it feels like when we are rejected and lonely (see Matthew 21:42; Mark 8:31). When we feel unwanted, unloved, and unappreciated, we can take comfort in knowing that Jesus also knows that type of pain.
Remember that rejection by man can never define who you really are—as long as you don't let it. God says we are wonderful, custom-made creations, and we will always be accepted by Him. Hebrews 13:6 says, "So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?'" Others' words don't have to have power over you!
So the next time your crush says "No way!" when you ask if they are free on Friday night, just remember that while rejection does not feel good, it is only temporary. And hey, at least you were brave enough to give it a try, right? There are a lot more days left in your life for more adventures and good things.
Focus on the fact that the God of the universe, who created everything from the Junebug to Jupiter, says that YOU are wanted, loved, and appreciated. Who can beat that?
There will always be those times when we will be rejected by people; it's not something we'll ever grow out of. But God will always accept and receive us no matter what (Psalm 27:10). Though friends, co-workers, or even our parents may reject us, God says He will still be there. Rejection can never define who you really are—as long as you don't let it. We are wonderful, custom-made creations, and we will always be accepted by Him. "So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?'"—Hebrews 13:6
L.B. is a seasoned Christian writer who loves working with youth and inspiring others to live for Christ.
