Jeremiah 20:12; 1 Kings 8:39
Have you ever found yourself between a rock and a hard place angry and frustrated by the circumstances of life? You want to pray, but nothing comes out of your lips, only streams of tears flowing from your eyes. In those moments, we are often tempted to edit our prayers because we do not want to anger God or incur His disapproval. But wait pause and reflect for a moment: can we really hide our motives and emotions from the omnipotent Creator, God?
The Bible, in Jeremiah 20:12, tells us that God weighs the heart. So, if God can do that, who are we deceiving by lying in our prayers? We need to be sincere with God, especially in how we feel, so that we may receive the help we truly need. He already knows our brokenness. He understands and identifies with our pain. He sees the tears hidden from the sight of fellow humans.
1 Kings 8:39 brings it closer to home when it says, “Give every man according to his ways, whose heart Thou knowest…” The implication is that God will give according to your thoughts. Hence, you are invited to come boldly to the throne of grace heart and soul laid bare before your God. No secrets, no pretense, but vulnerable to the One who knows you better than you know yourself.
Proverbs 21:2 tells us, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.” God wants you to bring your brokenness to Him. He knows what to do with it. He knows what perplexes you and what gives you sleepless nights, and He is only a prayer away.
Reflection
- Have you been hiding some things from God?
- Have you feared incurring the wrath of God and withheld the details of your life?
- Will you open up your heart to Him who knows it better?
Prayer
Dear Lord, Please forgive me for the times I have shut my heart from You. I realize there are moments I’ve withheld my feelings for fear of Your anger. I have not been honest and sincere in my prayers. Please forgive my ignorance and help me understand that nothing is hidden from You—including the motives and intents of my heart. Amen