In this generation, it appears that physical attributes, or simply put beauty, are the primary factors considered when choosing a spouse!
People go to such an extent that they use online and social media filters to alter their appearances and looks, creating an illusion for both the observer and the person being observed.
Well, the reality is that relying solely on outward appearance as the primary criterion is a recipe for disaster.
Let’s examine what the Bible suggests!
Gen 2:23 (KJV) And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
Bone of my bones.
Flesh of my flesh.
Bones, which lie within, symbolize the body’s structural foundation and inherent strength.
In contrast, flesh, which lies outside, serves as an external covering, protecting the underlying bone.
The scripture mentions the bones of my bones first, before the flesh of my flesh. This is deliberate and not a mere coincidence.
The bones will always hold greater significance than the flesh.
That which lies within, the structure that holds that handsome man or beautiful woman, that is their character, is of utmost importance.
Yes, I understand that you should marry the one you are attracted to.
Yes, beauty is important, but it should never be the sole criterion for offering something.
Pro 11:22 (MSG) Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful face on an empty head.
Yes, you read that correctly!
The image of a gold ring in a pig’s snout is jarring and incongruous, starkly contrasting the outward beauty with the inner emptiness.
A beautiful face (outer beauty) is meaningless if the person lacks inner qualities such as wisdom, kindness, and character (inner substance).
Don’t judge people based solely on their physical looks. Instead, take the time to get to know their character and inner qualities.
Cultivate inner beauty as a single person. Focus on developing a beautiful inner life, which will eventually radiate outward and enhance your outward appearance.
Where you place your trust and who you trust matters significantly. It plays a crucial role in determining whether the “trust” will ultimately save you or not.
Men put their trust in different things and sources. But I love what the Bible says,
Psa 20:7-8 (KJV) Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. [8] They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.
We are unlike those who rely on chariots or horses, but rather we will remember the name of our Lord, our God. In essence, our trust lies in the name of the Lord!
Isn’t that powerful?
That verse says they will be defeated, but because our trust is not in chariots or horses, but in the name of the Lord, we will rise and stand upright!
I can place my complete trust in Him in every aspect of my life, including relationships, weddings, marriage, jobs, careers, business, ministry, and all other areas.
Why should I place my trust in the name of the Lord? What is the assurance?
Let’s examine this.
Psa 28:7-8 (AMPC) The Lord is my Strength and my [impenetrable] Shield; my heart trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song will I praise Him. [8] The Lord is their [unyielding] Strength, and He is the Stronghold of salvation to [me] His anointed.
Wow! According to the scripture above, that strength is impenetrable and unyielding. Moreover, the scripture states that because I trust in Him, I am helped!
This year, God will indeed help you!
So much so that your heart will rejoice greatly!
You will praise Him in your songs because of the benefits you will accrue from trusting Him!
This year is such a strategic and special year! It is a year in which the enemy of your soul will want to fight your joy so much, and yet it is that year in which you must protect your joy so much!
God promises that your days of mourning are over. However, you must now make an effort to comply with that scripture.
Let’s look at the scriptures.
Isa 60:20 (KJV) Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.
Your days of mourning are over!
Mourning, as the scripture refers to it, encompasses broken relationships and the accompanying hurt and agony.
Unhappiness in relationships and sadness within a marriage, stemming from incessant quarrels and squabbles, are also part of this process.
Let’s take a look at The Message Translation.
Isa 60:20 (MSG) Your sun will never go down, your moon will never fade. I will be your eternal light. Your days of grieving are over.
I adore that phrase. Your days of mourning are behind you!
On your part, you’re now cooperating with the scripture by refusing depression and despondency in your life with every fiber of your being!
You must consciously cultivate the spirit of joy and prevent anything from trying to steal it from you!
This year is so pivotal that you can’t let anything dampen your joy!
You have a responsibility to safeguard that joy and keep it safe!
Why would you go to such lengths?
It’s your strength!
The joy of the Lord is your strength! Protect your place of strength and ensure its safety. This guarantees constant and unwavering victory in life and all other aspects of your existence!
The days of mourning are over!
If anything is causing grief at this moment, God Himself will intervene in Jesus’ name!
Does God celebrate because of us? Yes, I think He does.
You mean God will sing, dance, and rejoice over us? Yes, I think so. Why would I say that? Because His word says so!
Let’s dive!
Zep 3:17 (CEV) The LORD your God wins victory after victory and is always with you. He celebrates and sings because of you, and he will refresh your life with his love.
Wow! This will be exciting!
This is exciting because when this happens, I won’t have to pray for anything anymore! All I need to do is praise God because He will keep answering my prayers and doing a lot for me in accordance with His purpose for my life because He is thrilled about me!
Here is another scripture because every truth is established in the presence of two or more scriptures.
Psa 149:4 (CEV) The LORD is pleased with his people, and he gives victory to those who are humble.
The Lord can be pleased with His people! Isn’t that amazing?
If the Lord can be pleased, it means He can also be displeased!
So, what are those things that can displease God?
Pro 11:20 (MSG) GOD can’t stand deceivers, but oh how he relishes integrity.
Isn’t that clear enough?
Are there any other things that He dislikes? I need to know those so that I can avoid them.
Pro 6:16-19 (GW) There are six things that the LORD hates, even seven that are disgusting to him: [17] arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill innocent people, [18] a mind devising wicked plans, feet that are quick to do wrong, [19] a dishonest witness spitting out lies, and a person who spreads conflict among relatives.
So, we now know what displeases Him.
But what pleases Him? What will cause Him to rejoice over me? I need to know!
Jhn 15:8 (KJV) Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
Wow! That’s what excites God! Bearing fruit, reaching out to lives, discipling others, influencing those in your sphere of influence, and sharing the message of Jesus with people, helping them establish their faith.
So, make up your mind to start doing the exact things that make God happy and completely avoid the things that displease Him!
Have you ever wondered why someone is involved in obviously wrong ways of doing things and it seems as though they continue having their way? Do you ever wonder why it seems as though God is just watching while men violate His injunctions, being outrightly disobedient to Him, and there seems to be nothing happening?
Well, I have asked those kinds of questions too.
Does it mean there is a license to continue doing whatever anyone wants to do because of “grace?”
Rev 22:11-12 (KJV): He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. [12] And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall
Wow! Did you just read that?
We have told people, preachers have preached, teachers have taught, prophets have prophesied, and conferences have been held… and there is no more: Let the unjust continue to be unjust, let the filthy continue, let the righteous keep on, and let the holy be holy still.
Why? Jesus is coming quickly, with His reward. Everyone will be rewarded according to the work of their hands.
Let’s take a look at another translation.
Rev 22:11-12 (AMPC): He who is unrighteous (unjust, wicked), let him be unrighteous still; and he who is filthy (vile, impure), let him be filthy still; and he who is righteous (just, upright, in right standing with God), let him do right still; and he who is holy, let him be holy still. [12] Behold, I am coming soon, and I shall bring My wages and rewards with Me, to repay and render to each one just what his own actions and his own work merit.
