Always Growing in this Body

(guest post by Heather Ruesch)

“You have a lot of growing up to do.”

 Wow, have I heard that a few times over the years.

Let’s face it, this life is all about growing, developing, nurturing, maturing, and really, in the midst of it all, resting in the beauty of transformation. This concept of “growing up and growing into” is a lifetime event:

When I was conceived, developing in my mother’s womb, born into this world, and toddling around, I had a lot of growing up to do.

As an adolescent, who was fixated on boys and cute outfits, sporting events, and music, and overall- my physical appearance, I still had many growing moments ahead of me.

Today, I’m still growing in seeking my affirmation from God, rather than from the people around me.

Psalm 139:13-15 we see evidence that this body we’ve been given as the vehicle to carry us through life, originates from something else first, something foremost. God begins to create not with the physical body but with the spirit first. He builds up and out as He “knits” us together from the inside, from that epicenter that connects us so closely to Himself. He then weaves into us emotional, mental, social, and physical components. This all manifests in the magnificent person you are today and the person you were from the very moment God thought of you and began His good work in you.  

There is a philosophy of life to be found in “I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” These words are packed full of context that guides the way we see and approach the value we place on our own lives, the lives of others (good, bad, and ugly!), and ultimately, God’s role in all of it as well.  It’s like this:

We are fearfully and wonderfully made, not by any standard we can achieve ourselves but because of Who has made us.

As a picture painted by Picasso or Rembrandt, you may notice attractive qualities about it, but it’s not until you find out its creator that you can truly attest to the value it holds. And as we tune into the details of the painting, we begin to see the craftsmanship of the artist’s great ability.  

Human life is a work of art. God is our Artist and Creator.

The cracks from age, the scuffs and tears; every one of them tells a story that re-connects us time and time again with The Artist and His first thoughts that grew to be you. 

I love Psalm 139 because it points me away from having to be the “accepted one” in my social circle and draws me into God’s promise that I am His most treasured possession, whom He “formed, knitted, made, and wove.” Just as my “frame was not hidden from Him,” in my making, it is not hidden from Him now. He continues to be invested and interested in my growth. Because of Jesus Christ, my mistakes, my learning, my stories, and my experiences welcome me to rest in His affirmation of me. Romans 8:1 promises, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

You matter.  

You matter because you are created in the image of and by the Hand of, the One and Only God of the Universe.  

You are always growing in loving and living as a fearful and wonderful work in this body.

For you formed my inward parts;
    you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
    my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
    intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

GROWTH QUESTIONS:

What parts of your body make it easy for you to believe that you are fearfully and wonderfully made?

What parts of your body frustrate you and make it hard for you to believe that you are fearfully and wonderfully made?

Reflecting on your spirit and God’s Spirit inside of you, what artistry do you see in how God connects the two?

*this is an affiliate link to Heather’s book