You are Beautiful...

The Shulamite has endured a season of discipline (Song of Songs 3) and yet continues to seek after the heart of the One she loves.  If she can have a heart that seeks the Lord in the night season, we can too.  Instead of accusing God of being unfair, she received the Lord’s discipline and drew closer to Him. 

And as we move into Song of Songs 4, we see that the Shulamite has received a fresh revelation of who she is to her Beloved.  Her devotion and gaze have increased. The Lord speaks over her heart, “How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh how beautiful!….” SOS 4:1

When you read these words, what images come to your mind?  How would you define "beautiful"?  The culture defines it differently than God does.  Beauty is more than the physical qualities, more than outward appearance. 

I Peter 3:3 says, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.  Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit which is of great worth in God's sight."  Jesus sees behind the face.  His pronouncement over you is this:  YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!

We are changed by the revelation that we are beautiful and loved with affection. The revelation that a sincere believer is beautiful to God even in their weakness is the progression of the theme of beauty throughout the Song of Songs.

Jesus cherishes you, calling forth your greatness. He sees the commitment of your heart. He sees in you what you cannot see in yourself. He sees the end of your journey with clarity. He defines you by the seeds of faith (the budding virtues in your life) to love and obey Jesus. He doesn't define you by your struggles or failures or weakness.

This revelation will cause our hearts to arise and to embrace every sacrifice. This empowers us to ascend any mountain or to face any obstacle. 

To grow in this understanding of being the BEAUTIFUL BRIDE that JESUS LOVES, focus on what God says is true~ do not get preoccupied with failure, rejection, shame, etc.

Get these confessions in your heart. Let them become part of your prayer life~ that the Song of Songs would minister to you and begin transforming you into the Beauty Jesus already sees.

Confession:  I am confident of God's love for me!  I am beautiful!