March 18
As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart. Proverbs 27:19
In the ancient world, before the invention of glass mirrors, people used highly polished, reflective metals, usually made of bronze (Exodus 38:8), copper, silver, or gold. These mirrors produced a less clear, and often distorted reflection. In the absence of mirrors as we know them today, people in ancient times would also use still water - a pool, a basin, or a quiet stream to see their reflection. The quiet, still water would produce a clearer, less distorted reflection than the polished materials. Perhaps you’ve seen pictures, or you’ve been able to witness the beauty of a lake that reflects the nature that surrounds it. It’s incredibly spectacular to see a mountain with snow-covered peaks and evergreen trees dotting its side reflected in the still water of a lake. The water that “looks like glass” beautifully reflects what is around it.
I am unable to know what my face looks like unless I see it reflected in a mirror. Many times throughout the day, I have the opportunity to look in a mirror and see my face. Often, it’s a brief glance as I am washing my hands. I take a quick look at my hair, check to see if my face is clean, and occasionally offer a smile. Other times - especially in the morning as I’m getting ready for the day - I have more time to look at my reflection in the mirror. It’s then I notice things that remind me I am not a twenty-something: new wrinkles, age spots, an ever-receding hair line, skin that isn’t as firm as it used to be - and I ask “Who is this ‘old person’ looking back at me?” While these things are superficial, I still notice them and have to come to terms with the fact that I am aging.
More importantly than the aging person looking back at me in the mirror, what do others see in my character, actions, reactions, and relationships? What is reflected in how I live, in what I say and do? What behavior is evident? What is the overflow of my heart? My life does reflect what is in my heart. What I deem as important and priorities in my life are stored in my heart - and those things are reflected in how I live. People know what I truly believe and value because it is based on the “reflection” of my heart - not on what I say. The psalmist writes in Psalm 119:11, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Hiding God’s word in my heart means I am daily meditating on it, memorizing it, and keeping it close to me. It becomes an invaluable treasure that influences my daily thoughts, actions, and interactions with others. Hiding God’s word in my heart will help in getting rid of what I don’t want in my heart. The question for you and me is: what is hidden in our hearts? Is it God’s Word? What reflection of our hearts do others see?
Gracious and Loving Father - Your Word tells me that just as water reflects the face, my life is a reflection of my heart. My outward actions are a reflection of what is in my heart. Give me the courage to look at that reflection with honesty and clarity. Give me strength to change what needs to be changed. Purify my heart so that my words, actions, and hidden thoughts will show others a clear reflection of Your love and peace. In Your name we pray. Amen