I opened my medicine cabinet, just as I’ve done hundreds of times over decades, and… there He was.

Jesus.

The artist’s rendering of my Savior kneeling at a rock, eyes lifted upward–his countenance one of quiet consternation, and I could hear Him.

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42 NIV).

On this particular morning, I, too, had been crying out to the Lord–asking Him to forgive me. To restore me. To help me move ahead, despite worry and fear regarding that which I have no control.

But unlike Jesus, I choked on, “Your will.” After all, those can be difficult, impactful words.

So, when I opened my cabinet, saw Jesus sitting inside, I sort of gasped. Only days until Good Friday–those twenty-four hours that, for many Christians, are tinged with both sorrow and joy–I’d been pondering Christ’s passion.

But it wasn’t just Jesus that caused me to suck in my breath. It was that which surrounded Him on my bathroom shelf–the symbolism too specific to be coincidence.

They were only products–eye drops, hairspray, essential oil, and a bath composition. Nothing special. Nothing particularly noteworthy in any other circumstance, on any other day.

But because these items have been there for some time, yet have never drawn attention nor stirred the need for a second glance, I was struck by the irony, especially given my earlier prayer. Given the nearness to Good Friday.

I moved a few things–a lip balm, an eye cream, some nail polish–then snapped a photo so I’d not forget. And since, I’ve considered what each item means in light of my life and Christ’s love for me.

Clear Eyes

“Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law” (Psalm 119:18 ESV).

These ophthalmic drops–that which gets the red out on mornings when too little (or too much) sleep leave me with bloodshot eyes–represent so much more.

After all, I want to see clearly the path ahead. I desire visual (physical, yes, but mostly, spiritual) clarity, with obstructions removed that I might walk according to God’s best.

But what about when the way is unknown, the road ahead filled with twists and turns over which I have no control? When I can’t see around even the next bend to prepare for what might be coming?

Thankfully, God’s Word is our guide–preparing us, even when we don’t know how to prepare ourselves. Jesus promises to never leave us, never forsake us, to always be with us–through it all, in every season.

Father, thank You for these–and many other–wonderful truths from Your Word. As we appropriate them…

May Your will be done.

Extra Hold

“For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I am the one who helps you'” (Isaiah 41:13 ESV).

This finishing spray helps keep my fine, feathery hair in place with only several spritzes from the tiny travel bottle. It’s just the right size to fit in my carry-on for the occasions I find myself far from home.

Still, sometimes I feel far from home even when I’m firmly planted on Selah Farm. Unfamiliar circumstances come knocking, situations I didn’t expect, for which I hadn’t formulated a plan.

Like my earlier prayer–pleading with God to help me navigate some uncharted waters–we long to know we’re firmly held. That Jesus won’t let go, no matter what.

Father, thank You for your promise to help us. We cling to this in every storm. And no matter what comes…

Your will be done.

Lavender

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8 ESV).

Lavender represents “purity.” And while I’m far from perfect, I know–with Jesus, through His shed blood on the cross–I stand perfected in God’s presence. Oh, what a miracle!

This essential oil then is like the oil of gladness promised us in Psalm 45:7–for the one who loves righteousness and hates sin. And in such purity, Jesus promises, We will see Him.

Father, thank You that, through Your Son, we stand pure in Your presence, washed clean from sin. Where we still hold tightly to our will, we ask again–

Your will be done.

Beautifying

“Do not let your adorning be external… but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious” (I Peter 3:3-4 ESV).

As I gaze in the mirror on the other side of those cabinet shelves, what do I see? Flaws. Fine lines. Wrinkles. Gray hairs. Yes, signs of aging.

But what else? As I look at my reflection through the lens of God’s Word, it’s not so much the outward appearance that matters but, rather, the character of my heart–a heart that desires, day by day, to resemble my Savior.

And therein lies the most precious beauty secret imaginable–that which no beautifying composition or product could ever conjure or create.

It is when we spend time with Jesus, delighting in Him–the One who, for the joy set before Him, sacrificed His life–that we, moment by moment, become more beautiful.

Yes, to look like Him!

Father, thank You that, with Jesus, we are beautiful. It’s not about outward beauty but, instead, the inward character–developing a quite and gentle spirit, that which always says,

“Not my will but Yours be done.”

And may it be so.

*******

Funny how something as simple as one’s medicine cabinet can stir spiritual truth, causing us to pray and dig deeper into scripture.

My dear friend Cathy Baker has written a beautiful book which will release April 21st.

Making Room for God–A Creative Guide for Praying Through Your Home is a tool every woman should have, and I’m offering a copy to one person who leaves a comment.

Tell me about a specific room or space in your home that holds special meaning or a treasured memory.

I’ll draw a name on April 13th, and ship a copy (once it releases) right to your door (U.S. residents only, please).