Devoted Logo - White

TAKE OFF THE MASK

May 15, 2022

Turn and answer me, O Lord my God! Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die… But I trust in your unfailing love… I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me. Psalm 13:3, 5-6 (NLT)

Many of us hide behind masks in life to cover up our hurts and insecurities. But as Christ followers, we need to be real. We don’t need to become so transparent that we bare our souls every time someone asks us how we’re doing. On the other hand, if you’re going through a hard time and a friend is concerned, it makes no sense to put on a happy face and pretend. Good friends can tell when you’re lying anyway, and they will likely wonder why you refuse to open up when all they really want to do is help and pray for you.

David provides a great Biblical example of someone who was real. When things were tough for David, he didn’t pretend with God. He poured out his feelings, but at the same time he declared words of faith. He said things like, “I am worn out from sobbing. All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears. My vision is blurred by grief; my eyes are worn out because of all my enemies.” But in the next breath David expressed his faith in God by saying, “The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord will answer my prayer” (Psalm 6:6-7, 9, NLT).

When you go through tough times, read the Psalms. Be encouraged by the faith-filled words David and the other psalmists spoke even when it seemed as though the entire world was against them. And don’t be afraid to share your feelings with trusted friends who can encourage you through the storms of life.

Sign up for our daily devotional

Get encouraging devotions from Leon Fontaine in your inbox every morning.