Girl Defined By Kristen Clark And Bethany BairdSample

Day Two

Speaking Truth

Scripture: 1 John 2:16

One of the biggest reasons we, as women, feel insecure with our physical appearance is because we take our eyes off Christ only to place them on ourselves. We become self-focused instead of Christ-focused.

The crazy thing is that we often do this without even realizing it. Thanks to our sinful hearts, we’re constantly battling against our flesh, which loves being consumed with self.

For example, you’re innocently going about your day and feeling pretty good, but then you look in the mirror and see something you don’t like—wham! Your focus zooms in on yourself. You lose sight of the fact that Christ is the only One who can satisfy you (Proverbs 19:23). You forget that He is the only One who can fill your affirmation tank. So . . . you begin to feel insecure.

In those moments, you have to refocus your heart on Christ. You have to consciously deny your flesh and say no to the lies. How do you do that? By speaking truth.

The best way to do that is by reminding yourself of what God says. Matthew 6:33 is a great place to start: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Or Psalm 37:4, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Another great verse to remember is Psalm 103:1–2, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”

We’ve learned it doesn’t matter what culture portrays as the ideal woman. It only matters what Christ thinks. When we remember that, physical beauty does not have to be a beast. It is an amazing gift from God that should be enjoyed.

But no amount of beauty, compliments, or popularity can replace the fulfillment you find in your relationship with Christ. Being drop-dead gorgeous on the outside can’t bring a woman lasting fulfillment and security on the inside. Those things are found only when a woman chooses to base her value in what Christ thinks of her and not in what the world thinks.

What do you like best about your outward appearance? When is it most tempting to take your eyes of Christ and feel insecure about how you look?