Mental Deflation

Inflation and deflation are predictable signs of an unhealthy economy.  The value of a country’s currency may go up or down due to instability in its government, heavy debt, fluctuating exchange rates, and changes in investor expectations.

When our sense of worth is tied to external circumstances and societal expectations, we become vulnerable to a similar crisis of identity. One day we feel inflated; the next day we feel deflated. One day we feel like what we have to offer the world is valuable; the next day our whole existence seems meaningless. As our self-image fluctuates, we become unstable and ineffective--unsure of ourselves and unreliable to others.

How can we avoid this cycle of mental inflation/deflation?

Our sense of worth has to come from something less fickle than meeting expectations--whether they are our own or from others. Instead, our identity has to be based on solid trust in God.  Although I know this in theory, I have not been able to implement this consistently in my life. My emotions continue to fluctuate based on my perceptions and circumstances.

Lord, I pray that You will help us to be stable. Grant us the ability to trust you. Even though You don’t make everything work out according to our expectations, You never abandon us. Vulnerability merely presses us closer to You. As our egos deflate, may our bond with You become more and more secure.