Answers
By Billy Graham • June 19, 2006 • Topics: Depression, Family
Q:
My parents always made it clear that I was an accident and they didn't really want me, and I guess that's why I grew up with such a terrible self image. But just knowing this hasn't made me get over my depression or feel any better about myself. Can God somehow get me out of these feelings? Or does He really care?
A:
Yes, God does care very deeply about you, and He doesn’t want you to spend the rest of your life believing something about yourself that isn’t true. It may not be easy for you to overcome these feelings you have about yourself, but with God’s help you can.
The key is to see yourself the way God sees you. So far in life, you’ve let yourself be shaped by what you believe others think about you—but what does God think about you? The Bible’s answer is very clear: God loves you, and you are very important to Him. You aren’t here by accident; He made you, and He put you here. And He put you here because He wants you to know Him and be part of His family forever in heaven.
How do I know God loves you? I know it because Jesus Christ was willing to go to the cross and die for you. If you had been the only person on earth who needed to be saved, Jesus still would have been willing to die in your place. God loves you that much! The Bible says, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
Ask Jesus Christ to come into your life today—and He will. Then ask Him to help you close the door on your past, and thank Him every day for His unchanging love.
