See yourself as God sees you.

Today's reading: "As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in your likeness." Psalm 17:15

I think almost all people go through some sort of self-esteem issue albeit one's weight, looks, skin, teeth, hair or lack thereof, or what someone might think of him or her. I think of all the people I have seen that are focused on the outward appearance of their lives that they miss the real point. Often times we look in a mirror, and do not like what we see. It begins like this and it festers. But, you have to know that God is not one to judge your outward appearance, but the attitude of your heart. I am comforted by this thought found in 1 John 3:2-3, "Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purified himself, just as He is pure."

I think that as we begin to grow in Christ, we can see just how much God loves us. I know I struggle with self-image. I want to be Christ-centered and not self-centered, yet it is a daily challenge to put self on the bench and Jesus on the the throne of my heart. See Mark 8:34. Also, when I think about seeing my life the way Jesus sees it, He sees a much bigger picture than I do.

As an artist I understand how to look at art. Most art is meant to be viewed from fairly close-up. On the other hand, there are many paintings that require one to step back a few paces and see the image in its entirety. In my case, my nose is often up against the canvas. It's kind of difficult to see all that is taking place if one doesn't remove his or herself from the artwork and really examine what is going on. Many times what people show on the outside isn't what is happening on the inside.

In 1 Samuel 16: 7, it says, "...For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." I think it is important to realize this because, it is the difference between King Saul and King David when it came to being a king that God ordained for the people, and a king, though he sinned, became a man after God's own heart. David was repentant whereas Saul was not. Another thing to consider when you think about how God sees your life is remember the moments where Jesus showed great compassion. For me it always comes back to the woman at the well, and seeing how Jesus revealed her heart as well as showing her who He was. (See John 4: 1-26 for in depth).

How do you see yourself? Are you struggling to make sense of who you are in Christ? God is looking for those will worship Him in spirit and truth. (John 4:23-24) Take time to think about how God sees you. I think you will find that God is working in your heart. Take care to stay in the Bible today. Remember His promises and His love. Learn and grow in the knowledge of His grace.

My prayer today is: Jesus, I lift those of us up who do not feel good about ourselves. Help us to see just how much we are valued in your sight. In Psalms 139:14 it says we are, "...fearfully, and wonderfully made;..." Help us to realize this whole heartedly, without doubt. Jesus you are our shield and we trust You. (Psalm 18:30) Jesus, be glorified, and Your will be done. In Your name, Amen.