How Does God See You?

When I set out to paint my self-portrait, I didn’t expect it to become such a journey. I wanted to capture not just what I see when I look in the mirror, but how God sees me, my identity in Christ. This painting was the last one I completed for my book. It took me a long time to finish, not because I lacked the skills, but because I knew it mattered deeply. I labored over every detail, asking the Lord to show me His perspective. What I saw in the spirit was more beautiful than I could fully capture in paint, yet I prayed that somehow, through each brushstroke, His truth would come through. This wasn’t just art; it was an act of worship.

A text from my book:

How do you see yourself? What images appear when you look into a mirror?

When I was a young girl, I watched my dad do a charcoal drawing of himself using a mirror. I was fascinated by how he could look in the mirror and then draw what he saw. One day, I thought I could do the same. I got up on the stool, pulled out a piece of paper, and began to draw. I gave this drawing to Hazel Grandma. For years, this drawing was in her house. I remember thinking how special it was that she saved that drawing for years.

As an adult, I would have another opportunity at a self-portrait. While in the spirit, I asked God to show me how he saw me. The images began to come to life as God described me.

I am a tree rooted and grounded. My roots run deep into the soil as other trees spring forth. I am not shaken. I have a firm foundation.

I am a daughter of the king. I am royalty. I am clothed in peacock feathers. I am worthy of great gifts. Exotic, beautiful gifts from afar.

I am placed by still waters. He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul.

I am surrounded by mountains. The mountains declare the glory of God. They sing his praises. I join in with nature as nature shouts out to the Lord.

My mind is the tree of life. I find peace, goodness, love, joy, and happiness. My mind is transformed by the renewing of my thoughts.

My heart is a butterfly. Just like the butterfly has all the DNA inside to be transformed from a caterpillar to a butterfly, I have all the DNA to become who God created me to be. 

I am set free from striving to be something God has not intended for me.

I am surrounded by peace in the form of doves. They follow me. I give doves to others. There is more than enough peace for everyone. The more you give, the more returns to you.

“When I stand before a canvas or the potter’s wheel, I’m reminded that creativity is more than expression — it’s communion with God. He sees us not as the world does, but as beloved, chosen, and whole.  Take time this week to ask Him: ‘Lord, how do You see me?’”