Let’s Be Honest with God   

In our small congregation, we often offer the opportunity at one point in the worship service for individuals to share a word of testimony, an answer to prayer, or a prayer request. On a recent Sunday one of our regular attendees had her grandsons with her, as she was taking care of them while their parents were out of town. After others had shared their praises and prayer requests, I was told that one of those young boys had a question. When I called on him, he inquired, “Could you try to keep it short today?” This unusual request resulted in all of us enjoying a good laugh. I responded that I couldn’t promise him that I would do what he asked, but that I would keep it in mind. Someone noted that at least this boy was being honest and sharing what was on his mind. There have probably been many people over the years who were sitting in church services with similar hopes to what this youngster voiced, but they just didn’t want to say it. It may have been an uncommon question to say out loud but not an uncommon thought in people’s minds.

Are we genuine with God about what is really on our hearts and minds? Do we share honestly with Him, or do we carefully edit our true thoughts and feelings into what we think would be more appropriate before voicing those concerns to Him? On the one hand, it is foolish of us to think that God doesn’t know everything already. Nothing is hidden from Him, including our deepest feelings and our innermost thoughts. But additionally, God wants us to experience such a close relationship with Him that we feel free to express our true feelings, desires, questions, and concerns with Him. Not only is it not possible for us to hide anything from Him, but we shouldn’t want to do so. Honesty and trust are foundational in any relationship, including ours with the Lord.

Think about how genuine those who penned the Psalms were as they communicated with God. Those writings express fear, anger, discouragement, hope, reverence, trust, and the whole gamut of human emotions. Those writers weren’t afraid to let God see them just as they were. They rightfully offered up their praise to God. However, they also brought their questions and doubts to Him. They were ready to shout “Bless the Lord, O my soul”, but also willing to cry out to God in anguish asking “Why?” They were genuine enough to confess their sin and their need for forgiveness, as well as to acknowledge the good work God had done in their lives.

Some of us need to quit trying to hide behind false fronts we have constructed and simply be real with God. We need to take off the righteous-looking masks and let God help us come to terms with our true selves. Let’s quit editing our thoughts and feelings, and instead bring them to God just as they are. If they are not appropriate, He will let us know. If they reveal our sin or faults, He can change us. If they show a wrong attitude, He can help us deal with it. If they come from a misunderstanding of scripture, He can teach us. If they reveal a lack of surrender to His lordship over our lives, He can help us take that step of total submission to Him. We just need to be honest with Him and with ourselves about what is going on in our hearts and minds.

What is in your heart today? What are your concerns? Maybe they don’t seem “spiritual” enough to bring to God, but talk to Him about them anyway. Don’t be afraid to be honest with God. He can handle it.