Know Love Like This: 21 Days of Discovering God's Heart for Youనమూనా

Simply and Honestly Yourself

By Lorena Valle

“It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.” –John 4:23–24 (MSG)

I was around eight years old and in line with 200 others to receive my first communion. I was so excited to wear a white dress, walk to the front of the church, and receive the sacrament. It meant I could take communion every time we went to church now, and I felt like I had arrived. As a little Catholic girl, this was a rite of passage! There was just one problem. For some reason, I had missed the classes required to receive your first communion. As we drew nearer to the front of the line, I realized that each person had to answer a question before receiving communion, and I had no idea what the question or answer was! I tried to listen to my best friend who was in front of me in line, but unfortunately, all I heard was “psssstttss.” When it was my turn, I moved forward and repeated the same sound, and everyone laughed at me.

Nine years later, I remember sitting in a living room and hearing the story of Jesus explained to me in a song. That’s when it became real to me. I thought of all the churches I had walked in and out of my whole life that had crucifixes on display, and I wept because I finally realized the reason why Jesus was on the cross.

Fast forward one year later. I was almost 18 and attending a youth conference. This moment is still so vivid in my mind, like it was yesterday. I was surrounded by the sound of hundreds of young people singing (what I now know as worship). The room was filled, and the presence of God was tangible. I had been a believer for less than a year, and my life looked less than perfect—I was in an abusive household, looking for meaning in my life, and full of insecurities. I had hit an emotional rock bottom. No one around me could tell. Everything on the outside looked normal, but on the inside, I was empty. Hundreds of people surrounded me, but I felt all alone. In the middle of my loneliness, I met with God. I had nothing else to lose, no one to impress. I didn’t have anyone to help me make sense of my life, so I just started honestly conversing with Jesus. It changed everything.

In the last couple of years, the Lord has often reminded me of this memory. Do you have a similar one? When you hit rock bottom and Jesus met you where you were? If you’ve had a moment like that, let the Lord bring it to mind now. Let Him remind you why He died for you, so you could be honest and open with Him, and He could be your Savior—every day and in every circumstance!

John 4 tells the story of a Samaritan woman who meets Jesus at a well and has an honest and open conversation with Him. He helps her realize that God desires this from us—to be simply and honestly ourselves when we encounter Him. This woman had a religious upbringing, but she lacked an honest relationship. And that one conversation transformed her life. I relate so much to this woman’s story because, like her, I first encountered God through religious rituals. But thankfully God’s hand was guiding me even before I really knew Him. I remember our pastor once explaining, “Religion is man’s attempt to get to God; Christianity is God’s attempt to get to man.” God sent Jesus to earth so we could have a real and unfiltered relationship with Him!

Matthew 11:28 (MSG) says, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.” Jesus calls us to Himself, and in His presence, we can truly be ourselves. I encourage you today to have a conversation with Him like the woman at the well did. No need to use big words or complicated lingo. Just simply and honestly be yourself.

Prayer

Jesus, I want to know You better. Today, I set aside any preconceived ideas about prayer and bring my true self to You. I pray that today my prayers become a simple and honest conversation with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For Further Reflection

• Remember God's promise today that as you get away with Him, He will exchange your burdens for rest.
• Talk to Jesus about anything you’re struggling with today. Remember to be simply and honestly yourself. And if you have a hard time talking honestly about your struggles aloud, consider writing them down. Journaling is a great way to express your heart to God.

Holy Spirit, what are you saying to me?