You are altogether beautiful, my darling;
there is no flaw in you.
Song of Songs 4:7
I've read this verse probably a thousand times. It was one of my go-to's in times of great insecurity. I've walked through seasons (which sometimes only lasted a matter of hours or days) of believing it and seasons of constantly evaluating and trying to change all the flaws I see in myself.
Today I was challenged by two friends to partake in "No Makeup November." I know I gave them a crazy look when they suggested it. Frankly, I thought the whole idea was a waste. Why not wear make up, when it covers up the flaws & makes me feel beautiful? It's funny how we become numb and stop recognizing the very things we begin to put our trust in and hide behind.
Since I've been a teenager I have gone maybe a week total without makeup (The CGA camping trip and perhaps a mission trip or two) but never an entire month consistently since I was at least 13 years old. For years I had allowed insecurities and western culture define what I saw when I looked in the mirror. I thought I was done with that, until this little challenge presented itself. Although I know I've come a long way in even the past four years, I can feel the remnants of insecurity rise up as I think about stepping foot out of my door tomorrow morning with a naked face.
This season of my life the Lord continues to challenge me daily to let go of the past, to trust Him, to let others in and to obey His voice even when it feels extremely risky. The truth is I am complete, perfect, and flawless because I am in Christ and there is certainly no flaw in Him. God is showing me what it's like to be pursued, to be truly desired, even in my brokenness. I live in the tension of Mark 9:24, I do believe Your word over me, Lord help my unbelief!
Women, I challenge you, as your sister, having walked through and struggled with the same things you do as you look in the mirror, let Jesus show you what He sees. He doesn't make mistakes and He doesn't pick an ugly bride, He can't create ugly. He makes all things New and all things beautiful in its time. He wants to show you what He really sees. Embrace The Great Pursuer and allow Him to transform your mind and heart.
Men, I know you live in a culture bombarded by images of women with flawless skin and perfect bodies but I challenge you to desire beauty that goes beyond skin deep. Proverbs 31 challenges you, "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."
In a culture that teaches you to go after what most appeals to your senses, I challenge you to look into women's hearts. It is a rare that you find a woman of great integrity and character while physical attraction goes as fast as it comes! Ask the Lord to give you a wife that you can trust, of beauty that shines from the inside out.
Women, ask the Lord to craft your heart to mirror His, to make you a woman of integrity, a woman worthy of the man of God He's sending you.
