Let the truth be told

I want to share something with you all that is close to my heart. It is something that helps me to feel a lot closer to God, therefore brings such joy! And the good news is, it’s beautifully simple; just like most of the gospel message. It is a gem found in one of my favourite chapters in the Bible, Philippians 4. In such a joyful letter, Paul, the writer, tells us how to feel awesome joy, peace and oneness with God. The Phillips translation puts it beautifully:

“Don’t worry over anything rather; tell God every detail of your needs in earnest and thankful prayer, and the peace of God which transcends human understanding, will keep constant guard over your hearts and minds as they rest in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4 verses 6 and 7.

So, Paul recommends being honest, true and specific to God in your personal prayer. Creating an honest, true connection with the Almighty is such a privilege and opportunity. Any psychologist or researcher will tell you that the key to connection is vulnerability. I can vouch for that. Even in relationships with friends and family, talking openly and having heartfelt chats every now and then allows you feel so much closer and develop trust.

But, do you feel like you can pray to God honestly and openly? Do you always feel like God is right there with you, listening and caring? Do you pray in the spirit? Do you pour out your heart completely, squeezing out the dark corners where unconfessed sin is still hiding and weighing you down?
We need to bring everything into the open so that God can work.

And he will. I recently had such an awesome, humbling experience in which sin I’d been committing was at last brought to my attention. As soon as I brought it before my loving Father, he lifted such a weight off my shoulders, and I was completely changed. Instead of feeling uncertain and unhappy, I felt grateful and joyful. Very, very joyful.

Honestly, when you feel you can´t connect, you may not be surrendering all to God. At times we all may hide things in the dark corners of our heart, holding back from submitting to him who makes us righteous. He makes you enough. You don’t have to feel guilty or far away. God will be close to you. Closer than your skin: within you.

So, draw near and tell him every detail of your needs and emotions, for we are blessed because he cares.

There is a beautiful song that I’d like to share with you that describes exactly what I mean, called “Truth be Told” by Matthew West. Maybe close your eyes and feel whether you can relate, whether this speaks to your heart, or just read the lyrics below. And find the joy that comes from an honest relationship with our Father.

Lie number one you're supposed to have it all together
And when they ask how you're doing
Just smile and tell them, "Never better"

Lie number two everybody's life is perfect except yours
So keep your messes and your wounds
And your secrets safe with you behind closed doors

Truth be told
The truth is rarely told, now

I say I'm fine, yeah I'm fine oh I'm fine, hey I'm fine but I'm not
I'm broken
And when it's out of control I say it's under control but it's not
And you know it
I don't know why it's so hard to admit it
When being honest is the only way to fix it
There's no failure, no fall
There's no sin you don't already know
So let the truth be told

There's a sign on the door, says, "Come as you are" but I doubt it
'Cause if we lived like it was true, every Sunday morning pew would be crowded
But didn't you say the church should look more like a hospital
A safe place for the sick, the sinner and the scarred and the prodigals
Like me

Well truth be told
The truth is rarely told
Oh am I the only one who says

I'm fine, yeah I'm fine oh I'm fine, hey I'm fine but I'm not
I'm broken
And when it's out of control I say it's under control but it's not
And you know it
I don't know why it's so hard to admit it
When being honest is the only way to fix it
There's no failure, no fall
There's no sin you don't already know
So let the truth be told

Can I really stand here unashamed
Knowin' that you love for me won't change?
Oh God if that's really true
Then let the truth be told

I say I'm fine, yeah I'm fine oh I'm fine, hey I'm fine but I'm not
I'm broken
And when it's out of control I say it's under control but it's not
And you know it
I don't know why it's so hard to admit it
When being honest is the only way to fix it
There's no failure, no fall
There's no sin you don't already know
Yeah I know

There's no failure, no fall
There's no sin you don't already know
So let the truth be told