News updates tell me what I’ve longed to hear. After donning a face covering for well over a year, the mask can come off. It’s a major development in the pandemic. Albeit it depends on whether we’ve been vaccinated or not, or if we’re inside or outdoors. In some cases, the rules are unclear.
But when it’s time for the contents of my heart to be revealed, the guidelines are quite clear. Trust God.
“O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge (Psalm 62:8 NLT).
David wrote this verse as an encouragement to all people in all situations. And he would know. David repeatedly sought God for rest, refuge, and restoration. But he also sought God’s presence because it was his greatest delight. (see Psalm 27)
And yet, David’s journey from shepherd to king wasn’t an easy path. Life didn’t always work out the way he planned. But as David trusted God with all of his heart, God delivered him from his enemies and his fears. If we take a tip from David, we can also let the unmasking begin.
The thought of allowing other people to see our vulnerabilities may feel uncomfortable. But we can grow secure in Christ’s redemption. (Ephesians 1:6-8) Then authenticity is not about what we’re ashamed of from our past or what we’re afraid of about the future. Our unmasking reveals what we’ve been saved from and what we’re called to because we’ve been redeemed.
I don’t want to hide behind a shallow version of myself. The authentic me would miss the joy of knowing God as my Refuge.
He knows all our flaws, and He still loves us fiercely. As I enter His presence through prayer, there is no fear too big or sin too bad to confess before Him. His grace and truth in Christ are always bigger.
Whatever situations press upon my heart, I can never inform Him. He already knows everything. But I can always invite Him into those situations to reveal His heart to mine.
“O Lord , you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord ” (Psalms 139:1–4 NLT).
Although God knows everything, there is power in trusting Him with everything.
When my heart carries worry from my day, relying on God’s strength changes the worry into worship.
If I’m facing a decision or facing the unknown, my heart won’t be led astray if I pour my heart out before God. His wisdom waits to lead me where I need to go. His peace assures me I never go alone.
News updates may not always be what I want to hear. Depending on where I am, my face covering may be on my face or in my pocket. It hides our smiles or our frowns. But we can never hide from God. (see Hebrews 4:13)
He is meant to be our Hiding Place. Let the unmasking begin.
‘You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah” (Psalm 32:7 ESV).
Joy A. Williams is a writer and speaker who is amazed her first name became her life’s mission. She is passionate about sharing God’s grace and His ability to deposit joy into even the most desolate soul. A licensed minister with a teaching heart, Joy serves on the women’s ministry leadership team at her church. Her years as a military spouse inspired her book Friendship MAPS. On her blog, she encourages sincere and sidetracked truth seekers with hope for the heart and joy to the soul. You can connect with her at joyawilliams.com, where you can subscribe and receive a free PDF of “5 Ways to Keep Your Joy (or Find It) Whatever Happens.” She enjoys living life with her husband Brady and their teenage son. Follow Joy on Twitter @joytothesoul, Pinterest @joy2thesoul, Instagram @joy.to.the.soul or like her page on Facebook @joytothesoul.
Read Joy’s articles HERE.
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