Session 7

The importance of being vulnerable

From Psalms: A 28-Day Devotional

We all do it. We share smiling photos with our spouses, knowing full well a fight erupted just moments before. We spend so much time making our food Instaworthy, it’s cold by the time we start to eat. 

Everyone is guilty of putting only the best version of themselves on social media — both in what we show and what we leave out.

Sometimes, we don’t want people to know our faults because we’re afraid they won’t like us. But we don’t have to worry about that with God. He knows all our mistakes, yet He still loves and accepts us (Romans 5:8).

In Psalm 139, David marvels at the way God knows everything about him. At the end of the psalm, he embraces the opportunity to be vulnerable, asking God to reveal his sin: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).

This is a bold prayer, especially for David. He did plenty of sinful things as king of Israel, including committing adultery and having someone murdered. Yet, because David was willing to admit his sin and turn away from it, God used him to do great things (2 Samuel 11 and  2 Samuel 12).

Our best step often comes on the other side of a vulnerable prayer. When we ask God to examine our hearts, He will reveal where we need to make changes. His goal isn’t to condemn us, but to give us a joy-filled life (John 3:17; John 15:10-11). When we stop feeling like we have to impress God, we can start being changed by Him.

Reflect:

• Are you more focused on pointing out the faults of others than on admitting your own?
• How would your life change if you prayed Psalm 139:23-24 every day?
• What sin has God revealed in your life? What is one step you need to take to address it?