Love Letters From the KingSample

Day One

You Don’t Have to Hide

Scripture: Ezekiel 36:26; James 4:8

Kingdom Key: God accepts everything about you.

One afternoon I saw a meme on Instagram that showed a girl peeling off the mask of her well-done makeup and a smile in order to allow the real monster within her to breathe. It was supposed to be funny, but on a sad note, I feel this. I mean, not in the sense that I am fake, but in the sense that I’m hiding what I’m struggling with. It’s a little twisted humor, but I couldn’t get it out of my head because the act of demasking at the end of the day reminded me—of me. 

—signed, the girl who’s tired of hiding

Hey girl, 

You will not overcome any monstrous problem—or any problem at all—if you’re hiding it. There is freedom in unmasking your struggles and revealing your authentic self. 

Your family and friends may not understand you, but your Father in heaven does. You can’t hide from Him the way you do from them; He knew you before you were formed. He knows what you’re thinking no matter where you are or who you try to be in the world. 

You don’t have to smile and hold back tears from Him. You don’t have to project a certain image. He accepts you with your flaws, your problems—He accepts your all. 

Your life may feel like a mess, but you are no monster. Expose your pain, fears, and insecurities to God’s revelatory and resurrecting power. Face Him and show Him your heart. Take off your mask so He can heal your hurts. 

Here are words straight from God to you: “O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.”

—Psalm 139:1–2, NLT

Let’s Pray: Lord, I give in; I can’t hide from You. You have a clear view of me, and I realize I’ve been wasting my time pretending. Today I take off my mask for You. It blows my mind that I can face You in any condition, and You will still accept me for who I am. I come to Your throne with humility, Father, as I’m ready to begin my journey of standing on Your truths. Thank you for seeing me for me and never running away. In Jesus’s name, amen. 

Adapted from Love Letters from the King: 100 Devotions for the Girl Who Wants to Hear from God by Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien. Copyright © 2021 by Tarah-Lynn Adorned LLC. Reprinted with permission of Baker Publishing. All rights reserved.