Daily Journal: 22 April

Fortified Beauty

Beauty isn't all about looks. It's about what makes life worthwhile. It's about enriching. It is costly in terms of time and learning the right lessons. Wrong choices strip beauty from your life. Those mistakes steal years from your life, even decades. It isn’t worth it. What is rich and beautiful, is fortified.

Ezekiel 36:35 (NIV)

They will say, “This land that was laid waste has become like the garden of Eden; the cities that were lying in ruins, desolate and destroyed, are now fortified and inhabited.”

Beauty must be protected. It will be coveted by others but it can also be destroyed by others. For it to endure, beauty must be fortified where the eye can’t see.

Choosing wisdom in all things, above your own desires and needs, above your own seeking after things, above your need to prove yourself, brings fortified beauty to life.

Proverbs 4:10-15 (NCV)

My child, listen and accept what I say. Then you will have a long life. I am guiding you in the way of wisdom, and I am leading you on the right path. Nothing will hold you back; you will not be overwhelmed. Always remember what you have been taught, and don’t let go of it. Keep all that you have learned; it is the most important thing in life. Don’t follow the ways of the wicked; don’t do what evil people do. Avoid their ways, and don’t follow them. Stay away from them and keep on going

James 1:5 (NCV)

But if any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. He is generous to everyone and will give you wisdom without criticizing you.

Choose what you know to be right and turn away, run away as fast and as furiously as you can from what you know to be wrong or even from what you don't know to be right. Everything you see, hear, and do will have an impact on you in some way. Don't you worry about what other people are doing or thinking. You consider your ways and follow what's right.

Life is precious and mistakes are so very costly. Don’t be afraid of making wrong choices, just choose to be wise. That is fortified beauty in life and it will reward you and cause you to be exceptional.