“You are altogether beautiful, my darling, there is no flaw in you.” (Song of Solomon 4:7)

April means that the weather gets a little warmer, the sky is a little bluer and the smiles are a little brighter. It also means that the shorts and sun dresses come out from the back of the closet and trips to the pool become more frequent.

With all of the summer activities coming into play, it can be easy to compare yourself physically to other people. In fact, this comparison game is one of the enemy’s favorite things to do to us. He throws thoughts into our minds that are far from the truth, yet we sometimes fall for the trap and spiral until it is out of control.

Why can’t I look good in a swimsuit like her?

Wow I wish I had muscles like him.

I wish I could rock a cute dress like that.

Why wasn’t I born more muscular?

Maybe I should have gone to the gym more in the winter.

Why did I quit my New Year’s resolution to eat healthier?

We all have these thoughts circulating around our heads and once it starts, it gets harder to stop. It doesn’t matter how much we work out or if we eat right – the thoughts will still be there.

What can we do to stop the comparison then?

The answer is simple, yet effective: God.

He made each of us specifically. He took a look at the world and thought, “Man, the world could really use a (insert your name here).” He created every hair on our heads and our bodies to be the shape they are. He analyzed every speck of color in our eyes and created us to be in His image. He sees us as beautiful and unique.

You wouldn’t go up to a painter and tell him that his painting is awful and could use a little color in the corner and a splash of glitter on the side, would you? Then why would we do the same to God? He reacts in the same way the painter would react: sad, angry and maybe even a little disappointed. God made us to be exactly the way He wanted and gave us characteristics that make us who we are. Who are we to criticize the painter of the universe’s masterpiece?

The same God who made the sun and the moon, the stars and the sky, made you. He took the time to craft you into this world.

George MacDonald said it best,

“I would rather be what God chose to make me than the most glorious creature that I could think of; for to have been thought about, born in God’s thought, and then made by God, is the dearest, grandest and most precious thing in all thinking.”

So, as the warmer weather approaches and the enemy tries to crush your spirits through comparison, remember that the God who made you also made this grand universe. He thinks of you as a precious thing worth creating.

Focus on Him this season and turn away from the enemy’s tricks.

Grand Canyon University is dedicated to trusting God in all circumstances. If you would like to learn more about GCU’s Christian identity and heritage or would like to read more devotionals, please visit our website and check out the GCU blog.