“God, God save me! I’m in over my head, quicksand under me, swamp water over me; I’m going down for the third time.” Psalm 69.1,2
If one takes the externals of my life for truth, everything is going great! Everything seems to be there, wonderful family, lots of job success, recognition, and good friends. The one flaw is that there is another side that only I know.
For me the observable stuff is ok. Communication lines between husband and wife, parents and child are open, flowing freely, and strong. The family members actually like each other and enjoy being together. I go to a job that is challenging with fun, interesting, intelligent, and hard working cast members. In spite of all the good things, or maybe because of all the good things, I see flaws.
My motives in making decisions is often self centered. I know that my decisions are often unfair and biased. I pursue courses of actions that hurt people around me as well as my self. I ignore God’s priorities and make up my own. I translate God’s success into a personal confidence that I can do things on my own. I force the outcomes in life to fuel my pride, arrogance, and independence. When I fail, I stoke a fire of anger and frustration. I am determined to prove that I can make it!
The truth is that I cannot make it on my own. No matter how hard I try, I fail. Sometimes my failure is cosmic; most of the time I am the only one that knows failure exists. Failure often becomes it own motivation, but to what end? Am I willing to admit that I cannot make it on my own? Am I willing to live a life dependant on someone or something else? Can I face the truth?
The truth about my life and yours is ugly. There is good news! God already knows that and only cares about one thing. God is in love with us! This truth will change everything! Look, taste, and see the truth!
