Through Your Eyes may be my personal favorite song on the album, not just because of the style of music but because of the message that it carries. This song began as one of Tyler's guitar riffs that I instantly fell in love with. The basic idea of the chorus was written on the back of a page of sheet music on the spot but the rest of the song took a little time. Over the next day or so it became clear to me what God was whispering to my heart to sing. The message was simple. The weaker I am, in my moments of greatest failure and shame...it is in those times that His strength is made perfect.
2 Corinthians 12:9
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
9 But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power[a] is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.
I have spent many years in youth ministry and in that time I have seen so many teenagers that struggle with understanding their own value. They look at themselves and see absolutely nothing to love. At some point they came to believe that they can do nothing but fail. Some of them try to bleed the pain and guilt out of their lives by cutting themselves with razors; their rubber wristbands and long sleeves hide a map of scars. Others withdraw into a private world of self loathing and oppressive darkness. Some try to lose themselves in sinful lives that only add to the overwhelming burden of guilt. Sadly, many others simply give up and take their own lives. The bottom line is this: they have lost track of who they are. James 1:23 likens the Word of God to a mirror. He said that some people see their reflection in God's Word but then as soon as they turn away they forget who they were. If we desire to understand who we are, the only mirror we need is Scripture. The problem comes when we turn around and face what people have told us we are, when we see every mistake we've made thrown back in our faces, and when we look into a literal mirror and hate the person staring back at us.
So then who and what are we according to the Word of God? The first thing we are is loved (John 3:16). We are also uniquely crafted. Psalm 139:14 tells us we are "fearfully and wonderfully made". As an artist I know what it means to create something "fearfully and wonderfully", to spend long hours working on every detail, perfecting the design until it matches my vision. On a divine scale God has done that with each of us. We also have a purpose. Jeremiah 29:11 is a favorite verse for many because it reminds us that God has a plan for us. We aren't just a random face in the crowd; we have a very specific plan laid out before us filled with both blessings and purpose. We are masterpieces of an incredible artist.
Whoever you are, whatever you have done, whatever has been done to you... it doesn't have to be what defines you. If you believe in God but struggle to see how he could love you as flawed as you are the answer is simple. When He looks at you He sees no flaws. He sees only perfection. If you have accepted the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, on the cross then God sees only the perfection of His handiwork. Maybe you haven't ever given God a chance or believed He existed. Give your life to Him, it shouldn't be too hard if you are making a mess out of it yourself. Dare Him to do better. I promise you that He always will. He loves you as you are and can help you be so much more. He is proud of you, and to Him you are a great treasure. He...wants...you. Run to Him and learn how to see yourself through His eyes. It will change your life forever.
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