“As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.” Prov. 11:22
Today’s Christian Daily Devotional
Because I live downtown in a big metropolitan city, it is not uncommon to see all kinds of people in all types of attire. As in any other place in the world, a beautiful woman will capture the attention of the most senile eye. Now picture that gorgeous woman in an outfit that leaves little to the imagination—you can guarantee that she will turn more than a few heads. How could one NOT notice?
I have modeled bikinis for years. (So I am not speaking from judgment, but experience here!) During that time, turning heads was always on my daily agenda. It felt good to receive the attention I was so hungry for. After those brief seconds of glory faded, I was left with an ugly feeling that I could not shake. Deep down, I knew that I was I was using my body to get what I wanted, and this came with a heavy down-side. I knew I would not have my bikini body forever.
As I searched to find my personal value in deeper things, my usual “cheap ploy” actually began to make me feel cheaper. Over time I came to realize that this was my way of crying out for attention and love. Sadly, no matter how hard I tried to be the “perfect” girl, I never got the kind of love that I desired. I believe the way I presented myself had very much to do with it.
It is hard for a woman today to feel beautiful and appreciated by the attributes that are really important; especially when so many others decide to go the “easy” route. But, if you give your struggle to God and keep your motives for dressing in check, He will provide something that money and a flashy/trashy wardrobe could never buy—self-respect and TRUE confidence. What could be more beautiful than that?
“Dear Heavenly Father,
Forgive me. I have dressed for myself, I have dressed for men, I have dressed for the wrong kind of attention…but I have never dressed to honor you. I have lied to myself by saying that you look upon the heart. But the fact is, what I have chosen to wear is a reflection of my heart! Again, my selfishness shines through. Lord, Help me! I need you. I love being a woman almost as much as life itself. I enjoy makeup and getting dressed, can I do these things in a way that will please and honor you? Show me how! My grandmother and mother have their ideas of what a godly woman would wear and quite frankly, Lord…it scares me! What do you have to say? Introduce woman of valor that I can model my clothes after. Give me the taste of royalty so I will not be a stumbling block for another. I ask that you give me an appreciation for clothes that reflect character, confidence, humility and morals and all the while, ‘doing it in style! In Jesus’ precious name, because I am not the only one who must look good, Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s daily devotional. Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan