It is my conviction that one of the things we humans shy away from is to be truly known. I’m speaking of more than just surface, like “How are you?” “Fine” kind of talk, but deeply known. We tend to shy away from being seen as an “open book.”
Granted, there are exceptions to the rule. Always are. There are those who just sort of regurgitate everything to others. Extroverts (like me) tend to be much more open than introverts. But most of us will allow others to see only so much, then we shut the door. We tend to wear masks that cover the truth in our hearts.
The most probing mirror though is being honest and opening our heart to God’s searchlight. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Ps.139:23-24). Another verse that applies a bit more pressure says, “How can I know the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults.” (Ps. 19:12). When God’s searchlight hits the darkness, our inner man is revealed. “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.” (Heb. 4:12-13).
Masks are dropped and the truth revealed who we really are when we ask God to search our hearts. There is no hiding since God sees us as we are. The psalmist also came to that conclusion with the last words of chapter 19: “May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (verse 14)
We can choose to be a closed and locked diary or an open book. Either way God sees who we really are. Make it easier on your heart and choose the “Open.”
{Note: All Scripture is from the New Living Translation}
There is no place we could ever go where God is not there with us, knowing all our innermost fears, our loves and our dreams. Let us all take that fact as a comfort, not a burden.
Blessings, Bill!
I most certainly agree Martha. Knowing God is always there and knows our innermost fears and dreams is a comfort to me and not a burden.
I honestly don’t think there is much difference between Extroverts and Introverts in regards to being vulnerable. I do think Extroverts have an easier time of hiding their baggage.
Perhaps that is just my perception being an introvert. In reality, I think most have baggage that we keep out of the public eye. To be honest, I don’t think that is a problem in most cases as long as you have a small group you can be vulnerable with. In regards to hiding anything from God… That is an impossibility… The truth is… especially when referring to the verse you have in Hebrew… The searching really is God simply revealing to ourselves the areas of our life that are not fully in alignment. I don’t think that is for condemnation, but the fact that He wants what is best for us and wants to guide us in that direction.
Excellent thoughts Ryan! Being an extrovert I tend to talk too much so sometimes I share too much. You know…TMI. But I do agree that both personalities try to hide as much as they can. A small group should be a safe place to share those secrets. And God is always looking out for our best and so revealing things with His Word is in our best interest.
Great Bible verses Bill. It is not easy to ask God to reveal your true heart. Knowing that we cannot hide ourselves from God, that God already sees the truth. Also knowing that His love, grace, and mercy and forgiveness has already been granted to us, we must humble ourselves to God with true confessions, in order to deepen that relationship and grow in our walk with God. It will be painful at times, but the transformation in our hearts, and the freeing of our double minded nature, is well worth the tears.
You say a lot here Gail but the one thing that sticks out to me is that God’s “revealing” is sometimes painful. No one like pain but there are times God has to hurt to heal. Thanks for your thoughtful comment.