We all want to look our best. And we do our best to achieve it.
And if you’re like me, you’ve tried various products, hoping that the promise on the bottle will prove true.
The latest one I tried had this instruction: “The best time to apply skin care products is when you are fresh out of a warm shower or bath. Not only is your skin clean, but it is also thoroughly moist and will better absorb anything you apply to it.”
Instructions followed for the product but not for my life.
I followed this instruction. But blushing a bit, I confess I failed to do the same when it comes to my life. When spots of insecurities appeared, when blotches of worry and blemishes of resentment, past sin, guilt and unfulfilled dreams remained, life wasn’t pretty.
A clean-up job was begging. But instead, I covered it with the busyness of life, hoping no one would notice the blemishes that stained inside.
But God noticed.
He had the washcloth of His unconditional love and the lotion of His grace to wipe away any unsightly blemish in my heart, all the dirty of past mistakes, the nagging regrets and the self-doubt.
And when I stood in front of the mirror, I saw it all. I took a deep breath, drew in courage and confessed to Him, “I’m in Your presence as I acknowledge all I see. I will be still for you to clean all that keeps my heart, my attitude and my thoughts from radiating the beauty You know I should have.”
One by one He wiped away, leaving my heart fresh and free. And He added the perfume of His instruction:
“So flee youthful desires and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Tim. 2:22).
Let’s Pray
Father, it’s a pure heart I pursue and it’s a clean life I long for. Help me to be still as You use Your supernatural cleanser that I still need. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Janet Perez Eckles is an international speaker and the author of four books. She has helped thousands conquer fear and bring back joy.
This article originally appeared at janetperezeckles.com.
To hear more about true beauty, even in the midst of brokenness, listen to the podcast included with this article.
Shawn Akers 
Abby Trivett 
