But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 

Do you ever find yourself scrolling through Instagram or TikTok late at night, unconsciously comparing yourself to everyone else? Their lives appear practically perfect in every way and after scrolling through their “perfect” images, I find myself looking back at the girl in the mirror and trying so hard not to be disappointed with what I see. The girl I see weighs too much, her thighs are too big, her hair just isn’t working for her, and no matter what she changes she can’t help but be disappointed. 

In middle school, high school, and even throughout college, I was rarely fond of the girl looking back at me. After scrolling through Instagram or watching a movie with gorgeous, in-shape women staring back at me, I couldn’t help but be disappointed when the girl I saw looked different. Truth is, I didn’t look like them. And all I could see were the many ways I didn’t measure up. I could only see my flaws. 

If I’m totally honest, I’m still that girl sometimes. I struggle with comparison and knowing my worth. Battling with wanting to change who I am on the outside to make myself appear more beautiful or likable. But true beauty doesn’t come on the outside, it comes from within. We all know this at a head level, but do we know this at a heart level? Do we know who we are and Whose we are? Because I know that my Heavenly Father does not want us to constantly compare ourselves! He wants us to be confident in Him. He wants us to know where our beauty comes from and His desire is for us to live our lives to the fullest. If we constantly compare ourselves, aren’t we really saying we don’t like who God created us to be? But what if He designed us specifically unique? What if He created us with our exact personality on purpose? For a purpose? Well, I believe He did! I don’t believe He makes mistakes. 

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well. Psalm 139:13-14

We are God’s design. His work of art. His masterpiece. How can we compare ourselves to others, when each of us has our own story to write? 

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9

We are chosen! He has called us out of the darkness, out of our insecurities to live fully in the light. Let that sink in for a moment, you and I, when we gave our life to Jesus, we were immediately set apart. So now we have citizenship in His Eternal Kingdom. Talk about being beautiful from the inside out! Goodness, if I woke up knowing that every single day, I would live my day SO different. But sometimes I don’t wake up thinking about that promise, sometimes I wake up scrolling through my phone and then forget who I am. Maybe this is you too, and guess what? You’re not alone! We are in this together, and even more than that, God is fighting for us too! He wants us to live confident knowing we are created fearfully and wonderfully. So here’s my prayer for all of us: 

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Every morning, we can ask God to create a pure heart within us. Because He’s good and doesn’t want us to stay stuck where we are, He will answer that prayer! We don’t have to stay there. He promises to renew us and make us new! I love that promise so much. 

If you’re having a rough day, or your comparison has manifested itself in anxiety or depression, here are some more promises for you. I encourage you to write them on your mirror, text them to yourself, or put them anywhere where you’ll see them every day:

You are chosen. 1 Peter 2:9
You are fearfully and wonderfully made.  Psalm 139:13-14 
You are forgiven. Ephesians 1:7
You are a new creation. 2 Corinthian 5:17 
You are SO loved. John 3:16

Meet Leanna

For the past two and half years, the singer-songwriter from northwestern Washington, Leanna Crawford (pictured above), has been writing, touring and singing with some of the biggest names in the Christian music industry. She’s gained more experience than many artists do in a decade, and while her music certainly displays the vocal and songwriting talent of a rising star in CCM, her grounded and honest lyrics make her feel more friend and confidante than star, more approachable than untouchable. With songs that speak honestly about doubt and insecurity as well as the hope Christ offers in our darkest moments, Crawford’s listeners will find solace in her kind and wise words, while tapping their feet along to contagious, pop-inspired beats. Follow her here!