Overcoming Rejection

Rejection…a wound that cuts deep and often feels irreparable. Have you ever tasted it?

I think it’s safe to say that if you’re alive, you’ve experienced some form of rejection. Whether it be big or small, rejection seems to be something that visits every single human being in this life. Maybe it’s when you were five years old, and that one girl didn’t want to play with you at recess. Or perhaps you didn’t make the cut for the cheerleading squad, basketball team, choir, or band. Rejection may have come knocking on your door in the form of relationships…he doesn’t love you anymore. Your dad left and never came back. A friend betrayed you and then just walked away.

Some forms of rejection sting much more than others, but all forms have the ability to effect us deeply…if we allow it to. I think one of my favorite quotes from Beth Moore from this chapter in her book Praying God’s Word is this:

“Rejection in and of itself is not a stronghold. Our reaction to rejection determines whether we become bound by it.” — Beth Moore

I love this because it deposits a tremendous amount of hope into the conversation. Will you and I experience painful rejection in our lives? Probably. Do we have to be overcome or bound by it? Nope.

So, how do we walk in such victory over the stronghold of rejection? How do we overcome the negative and enslaving emotions that can come with rejection?

“By applying large doses of God’s love to your wounded heart daily and by allowing Him to renew your mind until the rejected thinks like the accepted.” — Beth Moore

For me personally, I think this chapter in Praying God’s Word has been the most vital and has poured the most timely truths into my heart in the season I’ve been in the past few years. I’ve experienced rejection that has been so painful, dare I say excruciating at times, that I wasn’t certain I would make it through. Does that sounds desperate or even extreme? Well, it has felt that way.

FELT.

Might I remind us all of this truth: Our feelings are not truth. They are not indicative of truth nor can they be trusted. Our feelings will lie to us, and we must be careful to guard our hearts, especially after rejection, and not follow our hearts. The world and its wisdom is foolishness compared to the wisdom of God and His Word. This world shouts boldly and proudly: “Follow your heart! Trust your gut!” But what does the Bible say?

“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” Jeremiah 17:9 NIV

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23 NIV

The world says, “Follow your heart!” The Bible says, “You can’t trust your heart; it deceives you.” The world says, “Go with your gut, follow your heart!” The Bible says, “Guard your heart.” Guard not follow. HUGE difference.

Here’s the point. Rejection isn’t the stronghold that you and I are trying to overcome today—the feelings we have in response to rejection are what we’re seeking to have victory over. Feelings should always follow faith, never lead. I heard it said once that feelings make a great caboose of the train but a terrible engine. If you are bound up today by feelings of rejection, it’s time to be set free. It’s time to give yourself a strong dose of God’s truth which speaks His love, acceptance, and worth over you, despite what others have said. You are chosen, not forsaken! You are wanted, not rejected! Walk in victory today, friends!

Below are just a few of the Scripture prayers taken from Beth Moore’s book Praying God’s Word from the chapter Overcoming Rejection. Let these words become your new anthem! You are so loved.

Lord, I am so grateful to be one of Your chosen people, part of a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to You, God, that I may declare the praises of You who called me out of darkness into Your wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)

Father God, make me strong and courageous. Help me not to be afraid or terrified because of anyone else, for You, the Lord my God, go with me; You will never leave me or forsake me. (Deuteronomy 31:6)

But You, O God, do see trouble and grief; You consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to You; You are the helper of the fatherless. (Psalm 10:14) O God, help me to understand that I am no longer a victim of anyone else’s misuse or rejection when I commit myself entirely to You. Make me a victor, Lord Jesus!