Because the same God who paints a rainbow across the sky after a rainstorm is the same One who can produce joy from our hardships.

Clothes, coffee, books, money, achievements, perfect circumstances . . . none of this can come close to bringing me the joy that comes from the Holy Spirit.

The next time you find yourself ashamed of your reflection, put on your new lens. Not the lens of the world, but the lens of the Word. The only lens that will reveal your true reflection.

As we become obsessed with Jesus, we’ll begin to reflect His image to those around us. Our speech will transform. Our character will look more like His. Why? Because our lives will always mirror the idols of our hearts.

As we find our worth and forgiveness at the feet of Jesus, these chains will loosen. We’ll be free to run into His loving arms—restored and whole. Not because we’re perfect or sinless. But because Jesus saw our flaws and sins and still, He said, “You are worth dying for.

The only beauty we’ll give account for in eternity is our godliness.

We don’t have to remain in the filth of yesterday. Jesus didn’t die for the spiritually clean; He died for those who reek with sin. What’s the purpose of His blood if not to wash away our yesterday?

But where we see trash, God sees potential. The Mater Artist, with His tender touch, can rework our suffering into a pattern of good.

We don’t have to wait for the sunshine of spring to splash color into our days when our relationship with Jesus illuminates brightness to every day.