Six million people visit the Louvre in Paris every year to view the Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, worth at least $759 million dollars at today’s prices. Protected by glass in a sealed enclosure, tourists line up for hours and guards stand watch so that ropes hold back the people eager for a glimpse of her elusive smile.
In the book of Ephesians, Paul wrote, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10 NLT).
What do you see in the mirror?
Do you see what God sees? Do you see God’s masterpiece? Or do you think, “too fat, too thin, too old, too young, too short, too tall, not attractive enough, not successful enough, or not good enough?”
In his book Change Your Brain, Change Your Life, Dr. Daniel Amen calls these thoughts ANTS, Automatic Negative Thoughts. Don’t believe them! Satan, the “father of lies,” influences us to think the lies we tell ourselves are the truth (John 8:44). Therefore, combat and kill those nasty ANTS with the one and only truth of God’s word (John 8:32). All else changes, but God’s love never changes.
Similarly, in her book, It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way, Lysa TerKeurst describes this brilliantly.
“We must let God’s Word become the words we believe and receive as truth. We must let God’s Word become the words of our story.” [1]
Certainly, this is what God sees when He looks at us
You say I am not good enough. But God says I created you in my image. (Genesis 1:27)
You say I am unattractive. But God says you are a work of art.(Psalm 139:13-14)
You say I am worthless. But God says you are a priceless treasure. (Matthew 10:30-31)
You say I do not belong. But God says you belong to me. (I John 4:4)
You say I am afraid. But God says I will protect you and be with you forever. (Matthew 28:20) (Psalm 91:1-2)
You say I am all alone. But God says you are my child. (1 John 3:2)
(Romans 8:16)
You say I am nobody. But God says you are the temple of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 5:5)
You say I do not fit in. But God says I am preparing a place for you. (John 14:1-3)
You say I do not have any friends. But God says I am your friend. (Romans 5:10, NLT)
You say I cannot do it. But God says you can do all things through me. (Philippians 4:13)
You say I am a failure. But God says I have a plan and a purpose for your life. (Jeremiah 29:11)
You say everyone is against me. But God says I am always for you. (Romans 8:31-32)
You say my life is over. But God says you are a new creation in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
You say I have done many terrible things in my life. But God says you are forgiven. (1 John 1:9) (Acts 3:19)
You say God doesn’t love me. But God says you are my beloved for whom I sent my son to die. (John 3:16)
Conclusion
What do you see in the mirror? See what God sees. Remember, when we think negative thoughts of ourselves, we are disagreeing with God. Therefore, kill the ANTS!
In conclusion, when you gaze into the mirror, acknowledge that God created you in His image, you are the beloved child of God, and a work of art! You are God’s masterpiece, set apart for the abundant life that He has planned for you.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I am so weary of negative thoughts and feelings about myself. I know these feelings and fears are not from you. They are from the evil one who hates me as he hates you. I come before you for help to believe what you say about me in your Word. Thank you for your Word, so I can read and study it and realize how much you love me. That I am your holy and blessed child and redeemed by the blood of your son, Jesus. And that you will protect me and never leave me. Help me give you the glory, both now and forever. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.
Reference
[1] TerKeurst, Lysa. It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way: Finding Unexpected Strength When Disappointments Leave You Shattered. Nelson Books, an Imprint of Thomas Nelson, 2018.
