Have you ever been getting ready to go somewhere and found yourself running late, your bed filled with clothes you have rejected? I know there have been moments in my life when I’m just unhappy with everything in my closet. Well, actually when I take time to think about it though, it’s not the clothes in my closet that make me unhappy, but how I feel about me in the clothes.
The world tells us we are not enough. Women face more than 3000 ads a day through tv, radio, print materials, the internet and social media. Some tell us we look too old or are the wrong size. Others promise we will look and feel younger and still others can help us dress better for success. It turns out that making us feel insecure is a multibillion dollar industry.
I did a little survey the other night for 30 minutes. In that time I saw 69 ads on TV, Facebook, Pinterest and the internet. Of those ads, 71% were telling me my face, body, house, car or clothes were not enough.
“God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27
Those ads are lying to us. Thankfully God doesn’t see us as the world does. When He first thought of us He made us in His image. I want you to think about that. You are made in his image! And He knew that was good.
There are days I read the Bible and just love to find that nugget of something new I haven’t seen before. And then there are those passages I know so well that it’s like putting on a favorite sweater, comfortable and cozy. One of those passages for me is in those first chapters in Genesis. Every time I read about how God created us in His image I get goose bumps!
I love to imagine how amazing the garden must have been. My mind sees the sunlight hitting the vibrant colors of the flowers in the garden and bouncing off the foliage creating a light show with a plethora of colors that soothe my soul. The waters are so pristine that they sparkle bubbling aqua. I can almost smell the sweet fragrance of the fruits trees mixed with the tropical flowers.
The best part of this scenario though, is the opportunity to see God strolling through His garden. I can see myself turning the corner at a pear tree and even before I see Him, I feel the holiness of my Father. And when I do see Him, I am immediately wrapped in His arms, feeling His complete love and acceptance. What an absolute perfect moment that would be. Thinking about walking in the garden and just passing by God randomly in this amazing setting, well it gives me a little glimpse of heaven, and it is beyond wonderful.
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
There is freedom in knowing God's love for us is so much bigger and better than what the world has to offer. The world is a fickle friend, while God made The sacrifice for us. Rest in that freedom and bask in His holy love.
