We were in the giant discount store trying to find some discounts we really needed when a friend called out my name. I had already told Danny that because I had my hair up, I would see people. Self-conscious about the hair in a pony tail I laughed and told her about it. She responded by telling me she liked it and I ought to wear my hair up more often. We visited a moment longer and she I we were on our separate ways.
That one statement changed the rest of my trip to the big store. We saw other people and I hugged and loved on them and they on me. I was freed from the urge to hide in the biggest store in town and just enjoyed gathering what we needed. A word fitly spoken comes to mind.
Oh beloved, let’s get this straight. You are beautiful when you are perfectly put together and you are beautiful when you are a mess. You are beautiful in the pew of the church with everything just right and you are beautiful when you’ve gained 10 pounds. It’s time we all stop beating ourselves up for that is not our job. It’s time to start saying the good things and meaning them. It doesn’t take but a moment to meet and greet and bless another person, so let’s do it.
And while we’re at it, God wants us to stop being our own worst critics. He wants us to realize when we look in the mirror that we can embrace our own beauty, our personalities and our talents. Mine and yours are going to be different – but we are all created in the image of God. And for the born-again believer to fail to accept ourselves is an offence to the Only Living God. He sent Jesus to pay an incredible price to allow us to be loved, accepted, chosen, adored, fulfilled, perfected and embraced for eternity. You, beloved, are more beautiful and talented and wonderful than you can imagine. Stop believing the lies the enemy speaks over you and quit agreeing with him.
God loves you and He’s for you. That should settle a lot. Wipe the tears and wash your face this morning and worship the Lord for a moment. Let His love soak into you for it will change everything. And then go out to the big store or wherever and walk through the aisles as a beloved daughter and spread that beauty with others everywhere you go!
Psalms 34: 5 Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.
Song of Solomon 4: 7 You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.
Psalms 139: 14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
Philippians 4: 8 Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].
Proverbs 25: 11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in leaves of silver.