May 29, 2024

DELIVER US FROM THE MASK OF FEAR

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.”

Genesis 3:10 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

I have discovered in life that one of the biggest blockages to having authentic relationships is the mask we wear out of our fear. Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden and immediately they hid from God. We do the same thing. Our failures and flaws cause us to hide from God and from people.

When we are hurt by others or by our own failures, we build a wall around ourselves. This is our protection from further hurt and pain. On the outside of the wall we paint the image we want people to see of us. We become afraid to let people inside our walls because we are afraid if they see the real us and don’t like us, we have no alternative to offer.

Fear does three terrible things to relationships. First, fear makes us defensive. We lash out at those who hurt us or point out a weakness in our lives. We defend ourselves.

Secondly, fear keeps us distant. We don’t allow people to get close to us. We withdraw and hide our emotions. We struggle to be open and honest. 

Thirdly, our fears give us demanding tendencies. The more insecure we are the more we try to control or dominate things. We try to have the last word in a relationship. 

If you see yourself with any of these traits, I suggest you stop hiding and ask the Holy Spirit to work on your heart. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a sense of security in God’s love and grace. God has created you and declared you worthy and righteous. You have value because you are a child of God.

When you know you are valuable, you can have authentic, healthy relationships with others.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit help me to be myself as You see me. Help me to lean into Your presence and power. Help me to tear down my fake walls and discard the mask.

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”