Encouragement for Today
Principle 1
“Bridezilla”
By Rachel Olsen, Senior Editor of Online Devotions, P31 Speaker
Key Verse:
Psalm 45: 11, “The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your Lord.” (NIV)
Devotion:
Having been a flower girl, a bridesmaid, and a bride, I know weddings can be stressful. No other day in a gal’s life is more romanticized in her mind than her wedding day. That is, until her wedding day arrives and the cake looks lopsided, a ring gets lost, a family member steps on her gown hem and the soloist hits sour notes.
For my wedding reception we rented a grand piano and hired an accomplished Christian pianist. The piano arrived but the musician never did. In my frustration I wanted to kill him. How could I have a father-daughter dance without music? I’d have to skip the tradition of the bride and groom’s dance too. Though some disappointment lingered, we piped in music over the ballroom speakers and made the best of things. Imagine my horror when I later learned the pianist had died the week before my wedding.
You may have seen ads for the WE television show “Bridezilla.” This reality series takes viewers inside the wedding preparations of brides-to-be who are determined to have the perfect wedding – no matter how many tantrums they must throw with their families, friends, and future husband to achieve that dream. I’ve watched a little of the show, gawking at how self-centered, rude, and controlling these brides behave. They take the notion “a wedding is the bride’s special day” and run marathon distances with it!
A “bridezilla” can wear a gorgeous gown in a grand cathedral, receive a large, sparkly diamond ring, toss an exquisite bouquet of flowers, and still be an unbecoming bride because her attitude is demanding and self-focused. The Gospel of John says the church is to be the bride of Christ collectively, and that we are each His bride individually. I wonder, does Christ look at my life and see a bridezilla?
Am I self-centered? Am I rude or demanding of my family or friends? Am I trying to control every aspect of my life to make it flatter me, or conform to my view of perfect? Yes, at times, I act just like a bridezilla.
If anyone deserves to garner everyone’s attention, it is Christ. If anyone is in position to demand perfection, it is Christ. But He doesn’t demand, instead He serves. Every battle Christ has fought, every pain He has endured, every enemy He has laid low, every obstacle He has overcome, and every ounce of mercy He has offered has been in service of His bride.
He rides in majesty on behalf of truth, humility, and righteousness (Psalm 45:4). He’s defeated Satan and death, and is blessed by God forever. Who really cares about wilted flowers, a wrinkled veil, or a missing-in-action musician when they’re marrying someone like that? He should be our focus, and our desire should be to honor Him.
I challenge us to realize that today is a gift – a wedding gift from our amazing Bridegroom who is enthralled with us. Let’s see how far we can run with that notion and honor Him today.
My Prayer for Today:
Dear Lord, I am grateful you have chosen me to be your bride! You are so praiseworthy; I want to honor you today. Show me how, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Read Psalm 45. It tells an allegorical story of King Jesus and us, his bride.
Reflection Points:
Am I self-centered?
Do I treat my family or friends rudely in my quest for perfection?
Am I trying to control every aspect of my life to make it flatter me?
How can I honor my heavenly bridegroom today?
Power Verses:
Deuteronomy 6:5, “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (NIV)
1 John 4:19, “We love because he first loved us.” (NIV)
1 Corinthians 13:4-5, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” (NIV)
Additional Resources:
Who Holds the Key to Your Heart by Lysa TerKeurst
When You’re Running on Empty Cindi McMenamin
What Will Your Family Do On Halloween? ETC Corner
Originally published Friday, 27 October 2006.
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