Unmask What Is Unreal

The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3)

Do you ever feel like you need to put on a brave face and smile through the storms and sorrows of life? Do you attempt to create the best possible “highlight reel” on social media so others will perceive you in a certain way? I have a word of encouragement for you on those days when you may find yourself trying to live up to someone else’s expectation of you: You are fully known by Jesus and you are completely and unconditionally loved . . . so you can unmask what is unreal.

O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord. You hem me in – behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. (Psalm 139:1-6)

These God-breathed words set us free to live an unmasked life, even before the face of our critics. When you know just how much you are known by God — that nothing that you think or do or say is hidden from Him in any way — and yet you are still completely loved, does it really matter what others think about you? Think about it this way: God knows everything about you — all the good, all the bad, and all the ugly — and He still wants to be in relationship with you for all eternity!

Christian, the next time you feel the need to hide behind a mask because of what others might think about you, look to the cross. Jesus loves you so much He died to be with you! And He did this while knowing your every thought, word, deed, and desire. Let that truth set you free to discard every mask and live before the face of God, who knows everything about you and loves you with an everlasting love.

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!