A few years ago, we went on vacation..

As we drove to our destination, I quickly realized I had forgotten my makeup bag. Maybe on a normal day, this wouldn't have been a big deal, but less than 24 hours before I had lost someone very near and dear to my heart.

And as I looked in the rearview mirror, I knew I couldn't face even a stranger without something to cover up the despair written all over my eyes. So I pulled into a Pick-N-Save and loaded my cart with the best cosmetics the grocery store could supply me with. The truth is that no amount of Covergirl could cover up how I was feeling inside. No matter how much makeup I piled on, the truth was written all over my face.

The pursuit of beauty can often be a physical representation of our spiritual condition.

When we long for more on the inside, we often try to cover it up on the outside.

While the makeup couldn't hide how I was feeling on the inside, that's often not the case.

We live in a culture that impresses beauty upon us at every turn. From magazine covers to our Instagram feeds, we are infiltrated with ads that are essentially telling us the way we naturally look is not enough. “Buy this top-of-the-line wrinkle cream or that creamy foundation for flawless perfect-looking skin.”

While the world screams so loudly that the way you are is not enough, God says, “You are fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14)

He sees you as sacred. Precious and made with a purpose. Let the Word sink into your soul and align with God’s unchanging Truth. While the world concentrates on the outside, God looks a little deeper. He sees to the very depths of your heart.

Beauty in the Bible

We see examples of physical beauty in the Bible. Sarah, Rachel, Esther, and even David are described as beautiful in appearance (Genesis 12:11, Genesis 29:17, Esther 2:7, and 1 Samuel 16:12). Yet, their stories emphasize that physical beauty alone are insufficient without inner character and a heart aligned with God. 

For instance, Esther’s beauty caught the attention of King Xerxes, but it was her courage and faith that ultimately saved the Jewish people. Her story illustrates how physical beauty can be a platform for God’s purposes when combined with spiritual depth.

David is also a fascinating individual. His story is filled with so many mess ups yet so much hope. Regardless of his mistakes, God didn’t write him off or tell him he was too far gone. David remained steadfast with a heart filled with love and surrender. His heart was devoted from the start. While those around  David may have chosen any of his older brothers who looked the part for the next king, they lacked something greater that God was looking for.

Our physical appearance will only get us so far. What do we do when our beauty fades or the latest fad changes? While there is nothing wrong with getting pretty hilites or freshly polished pink nails, our character is the real mark of true beauty. A woman whose heart is devoted to God glows in a way that shines brightly on all around her.

Similarly, the Bible warns against idolizing physical beauty. Proverbs 31:30 reminds us: “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” This verse shifts the focus from outward appearance to the enduring beauty of a godly character.

Beauty of a Devoted Heart

I believe it's easy to surrender your heart to God when you know the depths of his. When we open the pages of His Word and dive into the stories of generations, we can see the beauty that is God’s true character. His Word allows us to peel off the mask we often try to hide behind. We don’t need a mask or to hide anything from God. He sees the very depths of our souls. He knows us fully, like no one else could.

Despite our scars, He sees us as sacred. 

I had some pretty raw conversations with God my “vacation” weekend. I ugly cried and told Him how angry I was with Him. I questioned His ways and doubted His goodness. I didn't hold back the truth from Him.

This may not be a vacation that stands on the top of my repeat list, but I did walk away with some silver lining... while I tried to disguise my heartbreak from the world around me, I didn't have to with God. I could come to Him with mascara-stained tears, my doubts, my anger, and my fears.

Even if the world around you doesn't get a true glimpse of how you're feeling inside, know Jesus is there to hear you out and heal your hurts no matter what. All He wants is the real you, up close and personal.

No makeup is required.

Love,

Ashley

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