You Are Beautiful {day 10}

Many of the women I know tell me they’ve struggled with poor body image at some point in their life, and most of them would be more likely to tell me what’s wrong with them rather than what’s right. I have to include myself in that group, too. Is God in the habit of making mistakes? Does He place as much emphasis on our external beauty as we do?

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”

1 Peter 3:3-4

The true root to poor body image can be traced back to the first source of misinformation and self-deception: Satan.  He leads us to strive for perfectionism with his lies where our bodies are concerned, but God wants to see His beauty in our hearts, not in our fleeting external appearances.  

In Proverbs 31, we learn of a  women of virtue, character, godliness, and spiritual beauty. This is the women we should aspire to be like, but she doesn’t just develop overnight.  She grows and develops in time, as God works in her heart.   (read Proverbs 31 here)

Having the shape of our dreams isn’t our ticket to happiness.  A surrendered relationship with Jesus Christ is.  Let’s pray for one another today to know how to value ourselves as beautiful—flaws and all.

“You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you.”

Song of Solomon 4:7

Lord,

Thank You that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, created in Your image, as Your crowning achievement in creation. Forgive me when I pursue worldly beauty that will fade away above that which pleases You most – Your beauty within my heart. Help me to seek to be a woman of virtue and spiritual beauty. When the enemy tries to lead me astray with lies and deceit, remind me that I am captivating to You, and of great worth in Your sight.  Help me be an example to the women in my sphere of influence, and a reflection of Your grace and beauty.  When I feel the pressure to conform to worldly standards, help me to renew my mind by the truth of Your Word.

In Jesus Name