Though the original source is unknown, the lovely Audrey Hepburn is often credited as saying: “The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.” It sure seems to be true that our eyes mirror our souls. When we’re happy, people can see it. Instantly. When we’re sad, that’s apparent too. And when we’re burdened by guilt or shame or fear, the weight shows in the windows of our souls first. We may try and mask it, but those who know us well can tell.
Once the light of the world, Jesus, takes up residence in our hearts, the difference is just as obvious. You could say we start to sparkle within.
His presence lights us up from the inside out, showing through in our attitudes and actions and words. And I don’t mean just on the easygoing days, but in the rough-and-tumble times that really test our faith. What’s more, our spiritual eyes open up, newly enlightened to the wisdom of God’s counsel. Soon, His commands and instructions, which may have once felt like spiritual obligations we had to fulfill to stay in His graces, become open doors to a deeper trust in Him. Duty gives way to friendship because we love Him and can see that His ways are good.
Admittedly, this is a new idea for me. I haven’t always thought of obedience as the means to a divine makeover, but what else would you call something that accentuates our eyes and makes us radiant? God is indeed in the beauty business, making each of us beautiful from the inside out.
The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. — Psalm 19:8
Prayer
Nothing is like Your light in my life. Jesus, I pray for more of You as I read Your Word and represent You before others. May they see Your beauty in me.
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Your Sweet Spot
My daughter, Natasha, was always one to retreat to her closet when she wanted to be alone. Often, I do the same thing myself. So it’s refreshing that Jesus recommended going off somewhere by ourselves for some personal time with God.
Your private getaway doesn’t have to be a literal closet, although that absolutely works. I know of women who retreat to their laundry room, their car, their front porch or back deck, or a local park or walking trail. Because she had so many children running around, the mother of the great preachers Charles and John Wesley used to sit in a chair in the middle of her kitchen with her apron over her head for her prayer time. (We mamas do what we have to!)
It makes no difference how or where you retreat; any solitary place can become your inner room. Just find that sweet spot and, from that personal “sanctuary,” be you. Cry out to, consult with, journal to, or worship and praise the One who knows you best.
- God will meet us where we are.
When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they will be seen by people.... But as for you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. — Matthew 6:5-6 NASB
Prayer
Welcome to my prayer closet today, dear Lord. As I pour out my heart for Your ears only, please speak to me. I’m listening.
Excerpted with permission from 100 Days of Joy and Strength by Candace Cameron Bure, copyright Candace Cameron Bure.
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Your Turn
Are you sparkling today because the Holy Spirit lives in you? Let your duty give way to friendship with Jesus. Spend time with Him in private today and pour out your heart to Him. He loves you! ~ Devotionals Daily