“He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.” Is. 40:29
Today’s Christian daily devotional
As water pools around my freshly painted toes, I bend down to clear out my shower drain. I pull the stopper out and discover what looks like a small, furry animal.
Upon further examination, it is apparent that this disgusting mess was actually at one time my crown of glory. Looking at the gross fur ball clinging to the drain cap, it is hard to imagine that it used to cascade like liquid gold down my shoulders. As I tap the precious clump into the garbage, I can feel my heart go down with it.
For years, I was known for my luscious locks. I was accustomed to people stopping me on the street to ask who styled my hair or what products I used. It has been so long since that had happened. Oh, what I would give to be inconvenienced by a stranger today.
As I gazed at the unrecognizable person staring back at me in the mirror; I quietly determined it was time to stop holding onto the dreams of yesterday. I must embrace today’s reality. Shortly thereafter, I cut my hair. I cannot say that it was an easy day for me. You have no idea what you hang your pride and value on until it is no longer there.
The looks and comments from my friends and famly not only made me feel ashamed and exposed but powerless as well. For many years my value was determined by my external beauty. Because this world can be very superficial, I wrongly made the assumption that the superficial things were the most valuable.
During those humbling days of not having anything to lean on, in my quiet pain and turmoil, I turned to the Lord for my strength. I prayed that God would show me the value of who I really was. It was during those dark days that I learned it had nothing to do with the length of my hair or the circumference of my thighs. It had everything to do with God and not nearly as much to do with me as I had previously assumed.
My value was discovered when I realized that God sent His Son to die in my place. He would have done the exact same thing even if I were the only person on the earth today. If God did all that, He thought I was worth dying for. Sometimes losing it all can be the beginning of realizing what really matters to begin with.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
My life and everything I value has gone down the drain. I am at the end of my rope and I have lost my hope. Who am I? When I look in the mirror, all I see is a mess. I see the failures and weaknesses of a person who has tried seemingly everything to find fulfillment.
Today I am asking for you to fill my heart with the revelation of who I am. What is my value? How do you see me? How much do you love me, God? Show me because I am having a hard time loving myself right now. In Jesus’ precious name, because there is more to discover about myself and you today, Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s daily devotional.
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan