Make Her Pretty Again 10.16.24

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

-1 John 1:9

A couple of nights ago I was browsing Facebook Marketplace for some type of dresser. I wasn't sure exactly what I was looking for but I knew where I wanted to put it. Then I see this old, sad, dilapidated looking dresser for a whopping $35.00! I knew immediately I had found the one!

(Fun Fact: I used to love buying furniture that needed some TLC. I would either try to restore it or give it a whole new look.)

I was so excited about the dresser that I sent a picture of it to one of my girlfriends and said, “I can't wait to make her pretty again!” And then it hit me…how many times in my life have I felt like this little dresser looked - sad, ugly and truly like I was falling apart? I began to quickly see how many times in my life I had resembled this poor little dresser, just waiting for God to heal me in only ways that He can and to “make me pretty again.” Maybe I had acted in a manner that I immediately felt guilty about or said something at the wrong time. Unfortunately, I couldn't undo my behavior or just go and grab those little words that ever so quickly escaped my lips and shove them back in to my mouth. 

This “pretty” that I'm referring to is more of a feeling on the inside. The feeling that what you've said or done is wrong, mean and/or uncalled for…the feeling that can stay with you for years and creep back in when you least expect it. And it immediately takes you back to exactly how you felt during the situation. It's not a good feeling and I know first hand how hard it is to shake that over whelming, guilt-filled feeling over a situation you no longer have control over. However, we do have the control to let those feelings go in another way. We can give them to God! I know, I know. It's easier said than done to just, “Let go & Let God.” But He never meant for us to carry these burdens on our own. 

 I don't know about you, but I am so very thankful that I serve a mighty God who can take those ugly feelings and throw them into the depths of the ocean and indeed, make me pretty again. 

Reflect

Take time to reflect on a situation, recent or not, that you've been struggling with. Once you know which one(s) have been weighing on you, present them to God & ask for His forgiveness. 

It's also okay and important to forgive yourself, too. You are so much more than your past and any mistakes you may have made.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for being faithful and forgiving me, even as I struggle to forgive myself. Thank you for taking my broken pieces and turning them into your masterpieces. If there is something I am still hanging on to, I ask that you shed light on it so I can acknowledge it and leave it at your feet. Thank you for your faithfulness to restore and renew my heart, mind and soul. In Jesus name I pray. 

Amen.

Key Bible Verses

Psalm 55:22 |Psalm 57:10

Psalm 103:12 | Matthew 11:28-30