Those who look to him are radiant;

A sweet teenage friend of our family recently had a rough weekend.  Taylor and I were there to see our friend’s disappointment and it broke our hearts.  We love this sweet girl and it was so hard to watch her in her moment of difficulty.  She shines for the Lord in so many ways.  She is an inspiration not only to Taylor, but also to me.  There have been many times I have congratulated her on an accomplishment and her response is always…“To God be the glory.”  Seeing her in a moment of disappointment was also an eye opener for Taylor as to the trials and insecurities that teenagers face.  We were so sad for her when we left.

On our drive home, Taylor and I were discussing the situation and what we could do to help her feel better.  Taylor said we should make her something.  Taylor and I both enjoy crafting.  It is something that we bond over and we share so many laughs together.  I am so thankful that God has given us that same joy for doing projects together. 

We were trying to decide what to make and we went to the Bible for a verse to be our inspiration.  We found so many verses that we thought would bring our friend comfort.   Those verses opened the floor to a big discussion between Taylor and I about beauty and where we are to look for our beauty. 

I believe beauty is such a struggle for girls and women.  I believe we were all made to want to feel beautiful.  However, the slippery slope comes when we find our beauty in other things…clothing, jewelry, and other’s opinions.  Taylor found the verse from 1 Peter 3:3-4 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes.  Instead 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.

When I asked her what she thought about that verse, she said that she thought God wasn’t against us having clothes, jewelry, and braided hair but that he wanted us to seek Him for our beauty.  By seeking Him, He would show us the beauty that He created within us and through seeking Him we would know our value.  I loved her answer!  I shared with her that this is something that I struggle with a lot.  It is not as much about the clothes and jewelry for me, but that I want to be liked and approved of by others first before I seek His approval.  I wanted her to see that those are indeed the same.

As we were in that discussion, we were led to this verse Psalm 34:5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.  That was the inspiration verse for us both.  Seeking Him makes us radiant and filled with His beauty.  His beauty is a beauty that no clothing, jewelry or hairstyle could ever touch.  Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. I truly hate that our sweet friend had to go through such a disappointing situation, but from that came such a powerful discussion between my daughter and I and for that I give thanks.  

©2011 Filled With Praise