Hope transpires when we go to the King. When we take those moments to pause and choose rest, allowing Him to have every concern, hope will transpire. Love from the heart of the Father will transpire.

Just this past week, I had one of those overwhelming days and I could have given up but I didn’t want to give up. I wanted to take what seemed overwhelming to me, and simply lay it all down. I knew I needed to just take a moment with Him to simply release my concerns to Him and rest in His goodness. Jesus is always there to receive what we’re holding onto. We just need to release it to the Father so we can rest.

Esther went to the King and because of her simple act to go to the king, she found favor from everyone. (Esther 2:15) She found favor not only from God, but from others, too. Esther wasn’t looking for favor from others though. Her eyes were fixed on the King so favor naturally flowed in her life. She received favor. She received kindness. She received grace.

I want a heart like Esther’s. That means looking deep within my heart. And honestly, that is not always easy to do. What if I don’t like what is hidden within my heart? The hidden can be tough. Maybe it is dark and not so kind. But when we open up to those hidden things that are deep within our heart, and allow the light of Christ to shine on it, we find freedom.

We, too, like Esther, receive favor and grace from the Father. All we need to do is simply go to Him.

A friend shared a Scripture verse with me this week that spoke to my heart and reminds me of Esther.

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment . . . Instead it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

1 Peter 3:3-4

It’s not about the outward appearance. And maybe we sometimes focus there because it is easier than what’s deep within us. Yes, we can force a smile and glamour up to make ourselves look better on the outside, but what truly matters is what is going on inside.

It’s about what’s in your heart, your inner self. I believe Esther’s heart shined the beauty of her Creator and others graced her with kindness because of her gentle spirit. He crowned her with the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.

Your heart is the center of your desires, dreams, and affections, all which matter to Jesus. Take your heart to the King. There is treasure deep within your heart. There is beauty. Your heart is of great worth to God.

For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful.

1 Peter 3:5

Holy women of the past like Esther had unfading beauty who relied fully on the King. You, too, can find unfading beauty as you pour out your heart to the Father. Jesus receives all that you release to Him. He catches every tear. He can turn any darkness into light. He crowns you with compassion and love.

If you’re overwhelmed, go to the King.

If you are forcing a smile, go to the King.

If you need rest, go to the King.

If you just need a hug, go to the King.

If you need to be reminded of your worth, go to the King.