It Starts Small

⁹ I compare you, my darling,
to a mare among Pharaoh’s chariots.

Songs 1:9

In Songs 1:9, the Groom passionately likens the bride to a magnificent filly – a stunning, powerful young horse amidst the Pharaoh’s chariots. To contemporary ears, this comparison might seem unusual and perhaps even belittling, but in the rich tapestry of ancient poetic language, it embodies an exquisite image of beauty, strength, and honor. Pharaoh’s horses were revered, coveted symbols of nobility and grace. To be compared to one is not to be objectified, but to be exalted to heights of admiration and respect. This is a celebration of honor and a heartfelt expression of intentional admiration.

³ You will be a glorious crown in the Lord’s hand,
and a royal diadem in the palm of your God’s hand.

Isaiah 62:3

In Isaiah 62:3, we hear God say something similar to His people: “You will be a glorious crown…a royal diadem.” This is how the Lord sees His beloved. Not as a servant in the background. You are a treasure displayed in His hand.

Theologically, this magnificently reveals the transformative love of God! He does not merely rescue us—He crowns us with glory! He redefines our status and adorns us with honor. This is the essence of our identity in Christ: to be seen not by our past actions but by the extraordinary things He has done for us. From a psychological perspective, identity formation is profoundly influenced by how we are reflected within the eyes of others. If you were nurtured midst negative, shaming messages, they may still resonate painfully in your self-perception. But here is where God’s voice powerfully interrupts: “You are my beloved! You are royalty in My eyes!” Neuroscience reveals that our identities can indeed be reshaped when we repeatedly experience and internalize new, affirming truths. That’s why immersing ourselves in Scripture meditation is so transformative. As we hear and rehearse how God sees us, our brains embark on a journey to form new patterns, and our hearts begin to truly believe them!

You may not feel strong, regal, or worthy today, but remember this: God is not concerned with your feelings; He speaks to the essence of who you truly are in His eyes. The voice of the Groom tenderly calls you beloved, breathtakingly beautiful, and utterly worthy of admiration. Let that glorious truth take root deep within you, overshadowing all the lies that seek to diminish your worth.

Journal Prompt:

• What words have shaped your sense of worth – both positive and negative?
• WHat might it look like to replace them with God’s Words and truth?

Practical STeps and Application:

1. Read Isaiah 62:3. Imagine God placing a crown n your head.
2. Write down three affirmations from today’s scriptures and repeat them throughout your day.
3. Reflect on times you’ve doubted your value and invite God into those memories.

Deeper Introspection:

Read Isaiah 62:2

³ You will be a glorious crown in the Lord’s hand,
and a royal diadem in the palm of your God’s hand.

Isaiah 62:3

Isaiah 62:3 is a powerful promise of God’s restoration and delight in his people, often compared to being a “crown of glory” or a “royal diadem” held securely in his hand. Here are several journal prompts to help you reflect and meditate on this passage.

Reflecting on your identity

• A cherished masterpiece: The verse says you are a crown of beauty or a royal diadem. A diadem was a prized, ornate object, often worn to signify royalty and honor. In your journal, reflect on your inherent value in God’s eyes. How would your life change if you truly believed that you are a cherished masterpiece created by God?
• A “new name”: The preceding verses mention that God’s people will be given a “new name” to signify a new identity. Write about what it means to you to be defined by God’s delight, rather than by past failures, mistakes, or sins.
• In his hand: The image of being held “in the hand of the Lord” suggests intimacy, security, and a very close relationship. Instead of being on God’s head as a mere ornament, you are in his hand, a sign of constant awareness and intimate closeness. Write about what it feels like to be held so securely by a powerful and loving God.
• From “forsaken” to “delighted”: In the context of the whole chapter, this verse marks a transformation from a state of being “Forsaken” and “Desolate” to being “My Delight is in Her” (Hebrew: Hephzibah). Write about any areas of your life where you feel forgotten or desolate. How does God’s promise to restore you bring you hope?

Meditating on God’s character

• God’s view of you: The verse reveals God’s extravagant, passionate love for his people. As you write, consider how this image contrasts with the shame or low self-worth you might sometimes feel. How does it change your perspective to know that God sees you as beautiful and captivating?
• God’s active redemption: Just as God transformed Israel despite its failures, he chooses to redeem what was broken and make it a royal diadem. Journal about a time in your life when you experienced God’s grace and restoration, turning a difficult situation into something beautiful.
• Displaying his glory: The diadem you are called to be doesn’t earn God’s glory, but declares it. By your very existence as a redeemed person, you announce his goodness and grace to the world. Write about how your life can be a testament to God’s love and redemptive power.

Prompts based on supporting scriptures

• Hope, patience, and prayer: The surrounding chapter of Isaiah 62 calls for intercessory prayer and patience. Psalm 37:3-4 says to “Trust in the LORD and do good… Take delight in the LORD, and he will grant you your heart’s requests”. Consider how the promise in Isaiah 62:3 encourages perseverance in faith. What are the topics of persistent prayer?
• The Royal Priesthood: Scripture describes believers as a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). Read this verse and compare it to Isaiah 62:3. Explore what it means to be part of God’s “royal diadem” and a member of his priesthood. What does this dual identity imply about your purpose?
• Security in his hands: The imagery of God’s hand is found throughout the Bible. Isaiah 41:10 (“I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”) and Isaiah 41:13 (“I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand”) describe what it means to be held in God’s powerful, righteous hands, completely safe and secure. Journal about what it means to be held in this way.

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