It is interesting how the way we see ourselves many times depends on what we are told, whether true or false. There’s great danger when we rely on others to define our worth. Are we more beautiful because people say so? Do we become less valuable when we mess up and make mistakes? Should past experiences label us and determine our future?
Sometimes we place too much importance on what people think of us, as if we are looking for approval, wanting them to like us or simply trying to fit in. Maybe they don’t like us and that is ok, maybe we are not supposed to fit in, maybe we should start listening to what God has said, is saying and will always say about us.
“The Lord who created you says: ‘Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine…You are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you.” (Isaiah 43:1; 4) This is what “the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel your Savior” (Isaiah 43:3) is saying to you and me. Maybe if we would concentrate on what He is saying instead of what others can’t say or won’t say, we will begin to understand how valuable, inexplicably wonderful and beautiful we are, not because of what we look like, who we are or what we have done, but because God made us in His image, with a purpose.
Sometimes we allow others to mistreat us because we don’t know who we are; it seems that we see ourselves through glasses that only focus on the negative. Some people live surrounded by so many lies that it hard for them to recognize the truth, even if it is obviously in front of them. It doesn’t matter how messy our life is or was, one thing stands firm and is God’s love for us from the beginning of time “You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of my womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God! They are innumerable! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!” (Psalm 139:15-17)
Some people may read this and say “if God knows it all, why He permits the bad things that happen to people?” I could say that many times we look for trouble by ignoring God; that during difficulties we grow or that faith needs to be strengthened so we can be used by God; I could write many verses to back these points up, but I will only say that when God created Adam He knew what was going to happen and He knew His Son, Jesus would have to suffer and die; His beloved Son would be sacrificed for us… and He still did it. God’s plan is bigger than we could ever understand, this is not about trying to figure Him out, it is about trusting Him. “God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
So what do we do when we don’t feel as beautiful as God says we are?
· Don’t let people bring you down
We need to surround ourselves with good company; if someone close to us is bringing us down, we need to let them know.
It is important also to stop looking for people’s approval or putting people in pedestals “Stop putting your trust in mere humans. They are as frail as breath. How can they be of help to anyone?” (Isaiah 2:22)
· Focus on real beauty
What society has labeled as beautiful is very superficial and doesn’t last long; instead real beauty is deep within us “Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty that depends on fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. (1 Peter 3:3) Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. (Proverbs 31:30)
· Keep focusing on what God says about you
Continue reading all the wonderful things God says about you in the Bible. Keep looking around for His daily display of love; continue growing and learning and receiving God’s awesome love. “Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.” (Psalm 34:5) “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10)
When we know we have been created with a purpose by a loving God, we have a new outlook in life; when we know we don’t have to be perfect, a heavy weight is lifted and we can be free to be who God created us to be. We can be our beautiful selves!
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