Expressions of beauty, with Christ at the center, can be a powerful part of a life of prayer. For me, it's one way of meditating on Truth. Remember when David was given Saul's armor to fight Goliath, but it didn't fit? Perhaps, we too, often try and wear armor fitted for others, when we are meant to use the simple slingshots in our pockets.
Art and aesthetic beauty have been a powerful slingshot in warfare. Visual reminders of redemption, made possible by the event of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, ushers my hearts out of the current of the worry and into praise. Sometimes, ungodly thoughts come along like a riptide. If it carries me off, I can grasp onto the river bracken through a beacon of color and loveliness that fills my eyes. I can find God in something beautiful. Hope floods through our senses when we engage with our creator through creativity.
Maybe an effective weapon one day means throwing on that dress. The one that complements the skin tone that Abba gave you and brings out the color of your eyes that he painted himself. We can proclaim and prophesy God's goodness and the redemption of Christ over our temples and your home even when a storm is banging on the windows. God smiles over us as we proclaim resilient resurrection power through son, though, writing, making, fixing, cooking and dancing. Let's walk tall in his grace and promises. If we are children of God, we are already victorious. He has called us out of darkness and into his marvelous light! Even on rainy days, that's a lot to stand tall for.
Finally, be strong in the Lordand in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-18