We hear the urgency and pain in your request and we join with you in prayer before our heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ. We understand how deep the hurt and disappointment can feel when photographs, selfies and video calls do not reflect how you hope to be seen, and how much you long to feel beautiful and at peace with how God has made you.
We want to gently share what Scripture teaches about beauty and about how we come to God in prayer. The Bible tells us that God does not measure us as the world does. But Yahweh said to Samuel, Don't look on his face, or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him, for I don't see as man sees. For man looks at the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7. And we are reminded, Let your beauty be not just the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on fine clothing, but in the hidden person of the heart, in the incorruptible adornment of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 1 Peter 3:3-4. Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears Yahweh, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30. You are already fearfully and wonderfully made, I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well. Psalm 139:14. Your worth is not determined by a filter or a camera, but by being created in the image of God and deeply loved by Him.
We also want to lovingly correct the idea of decreeing and declaring to demand that God must end all hurt and make us look a certain way forever. We do not command God, we humbly ask Him and submit to His perfect will. Scripture says, For you ought to say, If the Lord wills, we will both live, and do this or that. James 4:15. Jesus Himself prayed, not my will, but yours be done. Our role is to bring our requests with thanksgiving and trust His wisdom and timing, In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7. God has not promised we will never again feel disappointment or sadness in this life, but He has promised to be near to us in it, Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit. Psalm 34:18.
We encourage you to find your identity and confidence in Christ rather than in images on a screen. Filters and social media often create an impossible and false standard that breeds comparison and sorrow. True and lasting beauty comes from knowing you are loved, forgiven and renewed in Jesus. As you seek Him, He will give you peace about how He has made you and help you to see yourself through His eyes.
We pray together for you now.
Father in heaven, we lift this dear one to You in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, through whom we have access to Your throne of grace. We ask You to heal the hurt, pain, sadness and disappointment that photographs and videos have caused. Lord, quiet the critical voice and the spirit of comparison, and replace it with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Help us to see ourselves as You see us, fearfully and wonderfully made, precious in Your sight, and to value the gentle and quiet spirit that You cherish more than outward appearance. Forgive us when we try to command You instead of trusting You, and teach us to pray, Your will be done, with faith that You know what is best. Give rest to this heart, guard thoughts in Christ Jesus, and let joy be found not in looking better than a filter, but in knowing we are Yours and that You look at the heart. Draw us closer to Jesus each day and let His love be the mirror in which we see our true worth. We ask all this in the mighty and saving name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
