True Beauty and the Women of God

Ah, morning!  Arising to that first delicious cup of coffee!

Then I greet the mirror over the sink.  Maybe there is a reason it is called “the sink”, because that’s what my spirits do when I behold what the years have wrought. At my age, seeing my unadorned morning face in the mirror can be a jolting experience.

The world we live in is materialistic and focused on appearances.  In the world’s eyes, if you look beautiful, you are beautiful.

As women of God we need to wrestle that thought to the ground.  Mother Theresa was far from physically lovely. Yet was this woman who cradled and cared for the dying poor gorgeous in God’s sight? You bet she was (and is).

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV

Can’t we have it all?  Isn’t it possible to be beautiful on the outside and the inside too?  Of course, but recognize that beauty, like wealth, comes with its own difficulties.

We can choose to spend our years chasing after the youthful look (which only looks good on the young), or we can chase after an intimate relationship with our God and bloom into the kind of beauty that is only attained with time.  Time in the Word, time in prayer, time loving and serving, time buffeted by trouble and sorrow and coming through on the other end with tempered strength, boundless gratitude and joyful anticipation. That is how the Proverbs 31 woman “laughs at the years to come.”

Mere physical attractiveness can never approach beauty of character – not in the eyes of God, not in the perception of the discerning people.

Isn’t it the recognition and approval of God, and godly people, what we really want, anyway?

As for me, I was not gifted with fabulous looks even in my youth, and now far down the road, I take joy in the knowledge that I have been seasoned and schooled in the paths of God. I was not Miss America, yet I have not missed out on anything God planned for me because of my looks (or lack of them!)

Yes, my countenance is changing in the mirror; but if I examine it as God does, I can see a forehead uncreased because of his peace, two eyes reflecting his kindness and compassion, ears that want to listen, lips ready to speak truth and encourage others, and a loving pair of hands. This body and these gifts all come from God.

As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;

when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.

Psalm 17:15 ESV

With your likeness, my beautiful Savior, I am indeed satisfied.

REFLECTION

• What are the wonders of how God created you? What keeps you from seeing more of it?

• Write a prayer to God expressing your gratitude for how uniquely he created you.