Imperishable Beauty

I have been in the middle of a battle this weekend. It seems as if the work that God would have me do have increased attacks not by people but by thoughts. Yet Jesus is a God not only of mercy but of battle. He has been so merciful to me and has shown me time and time again He is my strength and my song. Of whom shall I be afraid? Now about what I have learned about beauty. It is fleeting. I may look pretty to the world with the curly hair and tan skin yet as I see the gray hairs. As laugh lines crinkle the corners of my eyes, God has shown me something precious. The beauty that I want to cultivate is not found in a magazine but developed and beheld by an audience of one, Jesus Christ. He is my righteousnous, creates in me a quiet and gentle spirit, humbles me, and puts in me a desire to think of others higher than self. That I may have a beauty like that. So I stand in armor, to fight the good fight of faith, yet I also stand clothed in the righteousness of Christ, adorned by Him in jewels that reveal His work within me. It matters not if anyone else sees because what I do is for the audience of One. I am my beloved's and His desire is towards me. Praise be to the King of kings and Lord of lords.