The Heart that Leads in God's Strength to Bring Out the Truth.
Read: Psalm 26
Picture taken by Lisa Stenger (Swatara State Park, Pa., USA)
Early evening, our mission team took a dinner break after a long day of hitting the streets and teaching young children about the gospel in the park. I struck up a conversation with the person next to me. I learned he had a PhD and once taught at a university. When I asked where he was from, I discovered he was local to the area. I also found out he came alone to the free church dinner and was homeless.
I was shocked to learn he was homeless, having left his job and home for a less demanding life on the streets. He was well-dressed, had a great haircut, and spoke with a noticeable intelligence beyond mine.
After cleaning up, I asked the group leader about him. They mentioned that highly intelligent individuals can struggle with daily responsibilities and social skills. Life can become overwhelming, and they can no longer function in a demanding, highly functioning world. At the facility, he attends their weekly free shower and laundry day and receives a monthly haircut.
Appearances can be deceiving. Things are not always as they seem. The eyes see the surface, but our deepest feelings reveal the hidden truths within.
I assumed this man’s life situation based on his appearance and failed to understand his internal struggles. We often judge people too quickly; for instance, seeing a young person with a nice car might lead us to think their parents bought it, when they might have worked hard and saved every penny themselves.
How often do your assumptions mislead you?
Sometimes, we may distort our perspective to protect ourselves from the deeper truths beneath the surface. I’m not referring to this man misleading me based on his appearance; I’m discussing my perception, judgment, and failure to look beyond the surface with others. What was in my heart and mind that I came to that false conclusion? God looks beyond our flaws and sees who we are inside. He recognizes the child within us who longs for acceptance, affection, and attention.
Misconceptions look like:
Financial strength: Privileged by finance; they must have all they need.
Physical strength: Body of muscle; they must have no fear.
Mental strength: Academic achievements; they must have employment success.
Spiritual strength: Church leaders; they must come from a loving and stable family.
Relational strength: Always appears happy and is committed to friends; must be mentally healthy and resilient.
Have you ever had someone make an assumption about you that wasn’t true? Or have you ever presented a certain image on social media while feeling insecure about your appearance on the inside? Sometimes, we work hard to project an image that is the opposite of how we truly feel or think.
What if we found confidence and strength in God's unfailing love instead of pretending to be someone we're not?
“Test me, Lord, and try me,
examine my heart and my mind;
for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love
and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.”
(Psalm 26:2-3 NIV)
Reflecting on Psalm 26, we see how David acknowledges his attempt to be righteous and avoid evildoers before God in his heart and mind. This is a real struggle and temptation for David. He relies on faith, trusting that God will examine the truth of his heart and mind. He doesn’t only invite God; he challenges him to examine his heart! If we are honest, it can be terrifying to know that God observes our every thought and true feelings. David emphasizes that God’s unfailing love can help us walk in truth, overcome our weakness with His strength, and guide us through our difficulties while loving us through it all.
We may appear strong, independent, and focused on our situation, and still battle our weaknesses, deny help, and end up feeling like everything is falling apart.
Let us focus on God’s unfailing love rather than the situation. When we rely on Him, we uncover strength and resilience that are often overlooked. Coming from a place of faith reveals surprising courage and purpose, guiding us through life’s difficulties as we seek God’s love and mercy.
PRAY
Lord,
I praise you for all the work you are doing in my heart and mind. Reveal the truth that is in me. Protect me from deceit and guide me toward righteousness so that I can fulfill your purpose for me. Help me defend myself against my enemies and their deceptive appearances and words. Be my strength in both heart and mind, so I am not tempted to present myself falsely. Keep my feet firmly planted on solid ground, so that others can see the strength that comes only from trusting in you.
