“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
I looked in a mirror and what did I see … a monkey looking back at me.
Well, not a monkey exactly. But I do have to laugh at myself. Currently my hair sticks up in all directions. It seems to have a mind of its own and does as it pleases. I wonder how my husband can sit across from me at the table and not burst into laughter.
Sometimes I see a different me though. Sometimes I see a confident, attractive woman who’s ready to face the world head-on. I wonder what life will throw at me today. But it doesn’t matter because the Lord and I can handle it
Sometimes I see an older woman, whom I barely recognize. She’s homely and insecure. And I wonder how Gene can still find beauty in such a body. But he does. He says I have inner beauty my health can’t touch and that’s what he sees when he looks at me.
I squint at the image in the mirror. I still can’t see the inner me.
Why do I focus on my outward appearance when the ones I care most about don’t see me as I see myself?
God says I’m wonderfully and fearfully made (Psalm 139:14). He also says I’m created in His image (Genesis 1:26). That’s pretty special. He says I’m worth dying for (Romans 5:8). That’s almost unbelievable. He says I’m His handiwork—His masterpiece—created to do good work (Ephesians 2:10). If God says all these good things and more about me, why should I question my appearance or demerit His creation in me?
Where do the negative thoughts about my appearance come from?
He [the devil] was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). Satan wants to destroy believers. He attacks us physically by means of diseases, broken relationships, financial ruin and intellectually by means of the lies we tell ourselves.
The Lord reminds us to not conform to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). That verse continues with proving God’s will…His good and perfect will. His will is not for us to condemn or belittle ourselves. His will is for us to be confident, battle-ready servants of Christ.
Now I have a choice to make. Do I believe the father of lies or Jesus Christ, who is Truth (John 14:6)? Of course, I choose truth. I have to work on renewing my mind to believe what God says about me and to see what Gene sees in me.
How about you? What lies has the enemy told you in an attempt to destroy your confidence in who you are in our Risen Savior?
See you in a twinkling,
Brenda K. Hendricks
Encouraging Today's Christian 
Well said, Brenda. In my meditation on a verse in Psalm 119 this morning, I thought of some of the lies I tend to believe: “You didn’t do enough.” “You’ll never be enough.” “You fail every day.” And you know what? He’s right! I didn’t do enough…IF I didn’t turn it over to God first. I’ll never be enough…if I don’t claim my identity in Christ first. I’ll fail every day…IF I do not take His armor and pray like my life depends on it…which it does! James 4:7 says it best: “Resist the devil and he will flee from you!” (PS: I don’t always win this battle…but I know Who has won the war, so I try again…and again. One day, I’ll win that ultimate battle and break through the enemy’s frontline into the arms of Jesus! Hallelujah!)
Well said, Cathy. Thanks for adding to the thoughts.
There are days I know God directs what I’m doing and my attitude about it. There are days Satan ignites my natural negative attitude. Discouragement takes over. During times like that I try to remember Psalm 139:1-6 where the Psalmist expresses how God knows everything about us and still protects us. In Verse 5 I envision God placing his hand in front and behind me like walls to shield from danger. He even lays his hand on top of me so I am encased in security. I think of a mother bird surrounding her little ones so no danger can attack them. If only I would keep it in mind when wrong thoughts try to knock my God-given thoughts away.
It is a battle most of us fight, Joan. Thanks for sharing how you combat it. It helps us all when we share. We realize we’re not the only ones with such struggles, and we can learn from each other. That’s how it all works.