It’s About Your Heart
by Annalene Holtzhausen
Inferiority comes in many different forms and we only recognise it in ourselves when the Holy Spirit reveals His truth to us about our identity in Him. The enemy is very subtle and will place layer upon layer of accusation and feelings of inferiority upon us. Soon we react and behave from a place of not feeling good enough, or not as good as other people.
Recently I spoke to a friend and during our conversation she said that she wasn’t actually good at praying the right prayers, but that she often uses books on prayer to help her word herself correctly. This in itself isn’t a problem, because there are many books that help us in our understanding and spiritual growth. It becomes a problem when we focus on the prayer itself and start believing that the Lord only answers prayers that are well articulated and prayed correctly.
Some people find it really intimidating to pray in public; especially when they compare themselves to others. The truth is that the Lord is not impressed by how well or beautifully we pray. He’s only interested in the attitude of our hearts towards Him. He already knows what we need and what we’re going to ask and say. He turns His ear towards us and searches for humility and reverence. He listens beyond words and beautiful prayers – in themselves they’re nothing if we don’t come before the Lord with a contrite heart and spirit.
‘If I [can] speak in the tongues of men and [even] of angels, but have not love (that reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion such as is inspired by God’s love for and in us), I am only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), and understand all the secret truths and mysteries and possess all knowledge, and if I have [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but have not love (God’s love in me) I am nothing (a useless nobody)’ (1 Corinthians 13:1-2 AMPC).
So next time you’re overcome with feelings of inferiority and not feeling good enough, remember that Your Father loves you so much and that He listens for your heart and longs for a relationship with you – just as you are. Turn your eyes towards Him. His yoke is easy to bear and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30).
‘This High Priest of our understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most’ (Hebrews 4:15-16).
Prayer: Dear Father, today I choose to believe who You say I am: justified and righteous in You. Thank You, Lord, that I can come boldly to Your throne just as I am. It’s not about the words I use when I pray. It’s about my heart towards You. All You want is for me to pour out my heart before You. I love You. I just thank You so much for loving me first. Amen.
Annalene Holtzhausen is on the Associate Team at Ellel, Africa. She is married to Renier, who introduced her to Ellel Ministries. She is a full-time mother to their two boys. Her passion is for the restoration of women’s hearts and for people to find their worth in the Lord.
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