There is an old saying, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." I take this to mean that beauty is subjective. What one person thinks is lovely, another might think otherwise. Still, no matter how beautiful one person, or even many people might make you feel, it only takes one voice to make you doubt. One awful, critical voice that tell you that you're not good enough, pretty enough, skinny enough. In most cases it would be fairly easy to cut that negative person out of your life, who needs toxic people anyway. But what happens, when that critical voice is hidden inside of you? What happens when every time you look in the mirror, you see imperfection. What happens when your jeans fit a little too tight and you think that everyone around you, "thinks your fat." What happens when you talk too much, too loud, or unfiltered and you wonder, "why did I do or say that?" You can't get away from that voice. The funny thing is, that voice tells you that you are the only one who struggles, and that all of your friends have it together.
Here is the wonderful truth......there is another Voice. His is the voice of truth, and He tells a different story. He tells us that our beauty should not come from outward adornments, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of our inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. WOW! Is that not the complete opposite of what the media, Hollywood and advertisers tell us. Wear this and everyone will think you're gorgeous. Do this "Hollywood diet" and you will look like a movie star. Still time and time again, we end up feeling empty, unattractive, and alone with "the voice."
In the book of Luke, Jesus claimes to be the fulfillment of the Isaiah 61 prophecy.
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion.
Salvation belongs to our God!! This it to wonderful to not shout AMEN!!
But, the part that comes next, that's what really gets to me.
He came, to bestow on us a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of
joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
His Word says that WE will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
Did you catch that??? Jesus came to "bind up" our broken hearts. We are free because He ransomed us. In place of the ugly shackles of death, we have been given a "crown of beauty" by the Maker of the Universe. He has anointed us with the oil of joy. We no longer have the come into agreement with that ugly spirit of despair. And check it out, when we come face to face with our Lord and Savior, we will be called Oaks of Righteousness. He has planted us, YOU AND ME, for the display of His splendor.
So, when that ugly voice comes creeping into your thoughts, tell it, "Sorry, I am a beautiful princess, crowned by the King and put on display for all to see." Truth is right, and it will win every time. Walk in that truth my friend, and remind your friends from time to time who they really are. They might just need to hear it.
That's all for tonight.
Blessings,
Jennifer
