Appearance

It’s all about the heart.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 ESV

The Lord looks at the inner person...

(Heart - Strong’s Concordance Hebrew 3824: the inner man, moral character…)

Not on the outward appearance.

In all honesty, the struggle was real.

As I stood posed in front of the dressing room mirror, shocked by what I saw, I began to cry. How I envisioned myself was not depicted in the reflection before me. Decades have past. Babies were birthed. Illness curbed mobility. Weight gained. Things sagged. Bumps and bulges positioned in the wrong places. The appearance of passing time presented a glaring vision. Such a sight shattered my self image. In my mind, I was still young, vibrant, sexy, attractive; however, the mirror said differently. In that moment, I did not see myself as God sees me; nor, did I try. It was all about appearance. I was focusing on the veneer that was covering the inner me. Blinded by the impact of time, I did not see God’s princess; nor, a pearl of great value looking back at me within the glass. I left the shop distressed and empty handed.

“Lord,” I prayed, “please speak to me.” As I sat before Him, the Lord reminded me that I am His bride. I am…all together lovely. He did not change the veneer; instead, He changed my focus.

Proverbs 31:30 reflects a woman’s true value as seen by the Lord.

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. (Is to be praised -Strong’s Concordance Hebrew 1984: to shine…)

Maybe, your struggle is not found standing in front of a mirror; or, maybe, it is?

If so, Woman of God - Look up! There is a princess within God’s looking glass!

Can you see her? If not, ask the Father to help you to see.

Prayer

Father,

The world puts such an emphasis upon outward beauty. I confess, I have followed the flow of society’s norm, and at times, I’ve measured my value by my outward appearance. Even when the scale was kind and the mirror complimentary, I have doubted my true beauty.

I surrender the struggle to You this day.

Lord, please lift from me the veneer of this world. Remove it from my sight. Help me to see myself as You see me. Let my inner being out shine the outer sculpted beauty of this world.

May my appearance reflect the beauty of Jesus.

For, all together lovely is He!

Amen

PS - Men, in this world of super heroes and great emphasis on muscle mass, may you see yourself as God sees you, too. May you be men reflecting the moral character of the Father... truly handsome in God’s sight!