When It Has Been Exposed

Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. 1 Corinthians 4:5 (New International Version)

There is coming a day when all will be exposed and yet for the believer the Lord daily comes and brings to light that which is hidden in us. He pinpoints and exposes the motives of our hearts. Our reaction to what He reveals to us says a lot about our view of Him as well as our view of ourselves.

I am a hider by nature. I squirm at the thought of seeing the truth about myself especially in areas that await full healing and wholeness from the touch of His hand. That which brings me shame can often cause me to recoil in my spirit. I ache over the realization that certain aspects still mark my internal world. I long for victory yet am aware of the flaws. It is not a denial but rather a feeling of dread and disgust that fleshly tendencies still pervade and prevail. So I cower at the thoughts and cringe at the reality while sitting under a mental cloud of gloom. Not a pretty sight and not what my Father desires.

Last night, during a time of study with a friend, God revealed to me a different response to take when I come face to face with my own heart. Rather than hide, squirm, or despair, He wants me to bring the very thing I dislike in myself to Him and to ask for His grace and mercy to cover me there. That is the only way I will begin to see change take place. What I want Him to touch I must bring to Him. What I want Him to heal I must bring to Him. What I want Him to cleanse I must bring to Him. He will not be surprised by it or back away because of it.

He already knows my areas of bondage, insecurity, and emptiness. He knows the many ways I have sought to alleviate pain, fill voids, and get needs met apart from Him and how those attempts have failed. He even knows where I lack trust of Him and in Him. He sees the timidity of my steps, the shakiness of my hands, and the downward look of my eyes. In the midst of it all, hope has been ignited for I am beginning to see that the One who knows me best and loves me most stands ready to hear my cry for help. He has told me to come to Him as a child and that is exactly how I feel at the present…a mere child in dire need of His parenting.

Father, You are all about fresh beginnings and I need one now. Cover me with Your mantle of grace and mercy as I admit the truth to You and myself. I long for change. I long for You. Amen.

Sing for Joy - Don Moen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5ZWkr6RssY

He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food. Job 36:16