Lately I have been struggling with something I think a lot of women struggle with. I have been feeling like my appearances are what give me worth and value. I know this isn't true, but I continuously fall prey to believing the lie that who I am is nothing more than what's on the outside.
A book I have been reading quoted a young woman who said "...That's not God's definition of true beauty and we shouldn't allow it to become ours." The world uses movies, magazines, advertisements, etc. to make us believe that we need to wear this or that, be thinner, or use this brand of makeup to make us attractive. It's NOT true!
1 Peter 3:3-4 is just one of the passages that defines God's standard of beauty: "Do not let your adorning bet external- the braiding of hair and putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear- but let your adorning be with the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious." This verse is posted on my mirror for me to see everyday. While it is a great reminder, I have come to realize it's not enough. I need to be constantly meditating on who God is and the love He has for me. My identity is in Christ. No beauty product will ever accomplish what He has done and will do in my life and yours. God's standard of beauty is a gentle and quiet spirit. My prayer is that He will give me the gentle spirit that He finds so beautiful.
For those of you who know my current situation, this title probably seems very strange. My grandpa went home to be with the Lord yesterday morning. Even though we knew it was coming, it still came as a shock to my family and me. However, I came across the following passage tonight and realized how badly I needed to hear it. Philippians 4:4,7 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say rejoice...And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Obviously, the circumstances make it pretty hard to rejoice. It would be much easier to be angry or question why God would take such a faithful servant. My grandpa was the most godly man I have ever known. I am so thankful for the testimony of his life. However, I am now realizing that God is working through his death too. Seeds have been and are constantly being planted because of the life and death of my grandpa whether it be the nurses hearing the Word being read to him in the hospital and in hospice, people witnessing my family praying and being thankful to the Lord for his goodness despite the circumstances, or even the strength my grandma has shown throughout the recent weeks.
We may never understand why God chose to bring my grandpa home when He did. However, I refuse to question His love and His goodness. Deuteronomy 7:9 says Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful god who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations. God is faithful in good times and bad. Psalm 16:2 I say to the Lord, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you."
