Do you get nervous meeting new people?
What will he think?
What if I inadvertently offend her?
First impressions matter, we’re told. Some claim employers have a good idea just 7 seconds into an interview if a candidate is a good fit.
In our feeble attempt to get the job, keep the job, give a great impression, or keep someone’s attention, we often attempt to show only a part of ourselves.
The best part.
The pretty part.
The pleasing part.
We hide who we are because we’re afraid we won’t measure up.
Maybe who I am won’t be enough.
Yet Psalm 139 reassures us, relieves us, reasons with us that One does exist who truly knows us. Truly knows our hopes and fears. Knows our bad habits and bad attitudes. Knows our not-so-nice qualities and the percolating questions we are too afraid to ask.
And, He loves us. All of us: the Good, the Bad, and yes, even the Ugly. He even loves the people who hide parts they think should never be seen.
The part which would banish us from the world if the world only knew…
He knows every thought, especially the runaways we fail to take captive.
He knows every word which escaped from an angry tongue.
He knows a hurting heart, hidden from a world we fear might mock, or much worse, not even care.
He knows how desperate we are for love, true love, because HE placed that desire inside each and every one of us.
HE knows us. Every part of us. Guess what? He loves us still!
HE doesn’t break up with us. HE doesn’t fire us. HE doesn’t gossip about us.
He imply, yet profoundly loves us.
You see, He understands.
For we do not have a high priest who doesn’t know our suffering.
Read Psalm 139. Let His words wash your wounds. Let them soak into your soul. Then allow yourself to feel love. Unconditional love. Love that never ends.
Don’t let the enemy try to tell you all the reasons you aren’t worthy. Don’t let him list your faults or indiscretions, or mistakes.
You see, God already knows. HE’s asking you to ask forgiveness, and then He is asking you to forgive yourself.
HE wants to embrace you, yes you! HE wants to whisper “you are forgiven.”
We just need to be honest with Him.
Allow yourself to be loved, truly loved.