Look at me now

LOOK AT ME NOW

The changes in our physical looks are easier to trace than the changes age makes in our minds (1 Cor 13:11). It’s when you share your thoughts, feelings and as people notice your behaviour, that they see more of what you look like, and who you are (Matt 15:18). Do you remember photos in which you featured when you were a toddler or in your teenage years? Look at you now; you have changed - on the outside and on the inside.

God does not look at the outside but looks on the inside; your communication with him (1 Cor 2:14, 15), your thoughts, feelings, words and actions (1 Sam 16:7). We must embrace this even if it might sometimes be awkward, because it allows you to be true to God and true to yourself. In this deal of openness and honesty, God will gently help you to think the way he thinks (1 Cor 2:16), to have a heartfelt personal devotion and attachment to Jesus Christ (Gal 5:6), and to speak and act wisely (Prov. 14:15). This gentle help comes mainly as you have regular private conversations with Him and read His word the bible. Gradually, what you look like on the inside will become more important and valuable to you than what you look like on the outside (1 John 4:4). The power in this change is that you begin to grow in influence because people will look at you now - and will see what you stand for, and hear you say so boldly (Dan 1:19-20).

Look at me now is not an arrogant brag but a personal statement of gratitude to God – things could have turned out worse than they are, were it not for God’s love and quiet, constant help. As you and God work on steadily refining your profile, more insight enters your life and you get a good reputation for your conduct and behavior (Prov 3:4). People too will be more inclined to help and be kind to you. Before you know it, people will look at you or read your name and see you as a person they accept and welcome. Often they do not fully know why they feel good about you. It is because you are growing in favour with God (Psl 5:12; Luke 2:52) and in harmony with his plan to give you peace and well-being, all of your life (Psl 30:5).

Look at me now could be the cry of someone who has known better days or who has had a setback; or is hurt or ill, or stuck in a rut, (Job 3:1,25). This sad place can be a cave for the smart as well as the not so smart, for the humble as well as the proud. The fact that there are millions all over the world in similar or worse plights is true but of little help. The most important point is that God sees and hears you. Jesus is with you! Because of that, you do not have to give up or give in or fear (Psl 23:4). Through God, you will bounce back; you can recover. When you do, you would have changed for the better (Gen 28:12; 32:28). Then it’s God who will say, "Look at you now!"

Mike Abel