January 17, 2019
What Do They Think of Me?
Kelly Balarie
Today’s Truth
So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18, NIV).
Friend to Friend
The dinner party was fantastic; the only problem was me.
Rather than relaxing into the night as the conversation danced around the tea-lighted dinner table, I checked-out. What should I say next? What do they think of me? What will they say about me when they get home?
At one point, the conversation at the table circled to me. Because it was my turn to talk, I perked up. I tried to think of the most eloquent words and aimed to tell my story with style.
I hope they like what I said. I hope I came off right.
Now that I am home, I feel embarrassed about my internal thought process at this dinner. Now I wonder, "What was I trying to prove?"
If people don’t love me, talk about me, recognize me, or appreciate me — does that change my worth in God’s eyes?
Even more, what good is a life that chases fading expressions or fickle impressions when it is Christ’s love that endures forever?
"So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18, NIV).
One day, I’ll meet the One who today I cannot physically see — Jesus. The man whose love for me will never fade. Whose heart for me will always remain the same. Whose desire for me will not wane.
While other people’s seen expressions, words, opinions, rewards, promotions or acceptance will come and go — God’s love will never fade away.
It is with this perspective that I want to focus on the unseen, not the seen. Rather than thinking about the expression I see on others' faces - I want to think about what He is thinking - about me and about the people I am with.
I can do this in each moment, by thinking things like:
1. God, You say in scripture You delight in me. (Psalm 149:4)
2. You eternally love me — not based on the works I do, but because of the work Jesus has already done.
3. The ultimate story is less about me and far more about how you want to use me to love others.
Ultimately, I want to see God’s face more than men. Here, I can love without striving and proving. Here, I can relax. Here, I trust that my unseen God sees me — here, now and forever.
Let’s Pray
Father, may I begin to understand how much you love me. May I feel it. May I unhinge from my fear of man to entirely trust in you.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Next time you think about them, ask God to point you to a scripture that reminds you of Him and His great love for you.
More from the Girlfriends
Kelly Balarie, blogger at Purposeful Faith and author of the new book “Battle Ready: Train Your Mind to Conquer Challenges, Defeat Doubt and Live Victoriously” is passionate about joining hands with women who often find themselves stuck in the pits of life. Step-by-step, word-by-word, her dream is that together they can emerge better - fear, fret and panic-free. Get all of Kelly’s Purposeful Faith blog posts by email for a dose of inspiration and encouragement.
