If you happened to catch the post I wrote last week, you may have seen that I included a photo of myself smiling big. That was quite a step outside of my comfort zone.

You see, when I comb through old pictures, I am saddened by how I appear. Surprisingly, it’s not my hairdo or the outfits that upset me so much … although some of those do make me wonder what I was thinking.

It was the countenance on my face that bothered me deeply.

While I managed to smile in most pictures, it is evident that there was a lack of joy and that  I was carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders. Proverbs 27:19 (MSG) summarizes it best: “Just as water mirrors your face, so your face mirrors your heart.”

If you can think of a struggle, I have lived through it: disappointment, fear, anxiety, rejection, anger, bitterness, sadness, and hopelessness. While I mustered up all my strength to pray through each of those seasons, ultimately my heart was aching and I couldn’t hide it.

However, I’m thankful that:
-when I was weak, God was strong;
-while I couldn’t pray for myself, loved ones interceded on my behalf;
-when I submitted to the Lord, my eyes and ears were opened to see the truth;
-God helped me walked in freedom from each of those struggles; and
-my sorrow has been turned to joy.

Hence, the photo I posted last week reflects the joy in my heart, a marked and welcome change. In fact, a dear friend quoted this verse from Proverbs 31:25 (NLT) to describe it: “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” I certainly did not think such a verse could ever apply to me, but I give all glory to God for what He has done.

Maybe your face reflects the brokenness in your heart. I want to pray for you today, my Friend:
Dear Lord, thank You that You are aware of the condition of Your child’s heart. Thank You for being a Refuge, Strength, and Help. Have Your way in Your child’s heart, reveal Yourself, remove what does not reflect Your countenance, and bring healing. May Your joy be their strength. May their confidence be in You as they walk lighter, burden-free, trusting in You, their Source. Thank You for hearing this prayer. Amen.
~Joyce

Photo Credit: Jeremy Vessey on Unsplash