Masking reality

There’s no need to pretend with God

Bethany Turner
Bachelor of Ministry and Theology (Honours) student
Avondale College of Higher Education

Sunday evening: the Jacaranda Banquet. Amazing evening. Everyone is happy—they’re laughing, smiling, posing for photos. The theme: masquerade. Outfits are breathtaking, but being surrounded by masks adds a new element—a friend starts chatting to me and I don’t recognise her! It gets me thinking.

This morning. I’m so tired today. I just sit with God feeling slow and stupid. I’m apologising for my dull concentration. Prayer time is difficult. How pathetic! Surely I ought to show more enthusiasm and attentiveness while talking to God!

Do you know the feeling? Someone is talking and you’re trying to look interested. You may be masking tiredness or—dare I say it—boredom.

Over the years, I’ve often felt the need to put on a certain face for God. There were options: I could put on the repentant, the pious, the enthusiastic or the reverent face. Sleepy, stressed, or distracted faces weren’t on that list.

Today, I stop short of putting on my pious face and come to God with my tired face. What’s the point of wearing a mask, anyway? God knows me. So, this morning, I just sit with Him, relax and whisper David’s song, “Father, you’ve examined my heart and you know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You always know what I’m thinking. You know I’m tired today. No matter where I go or what I’m experiencing, your hand guides me, and your strength supports me” (paraphrased from Psalm 139:1-2, 9-10).

There’s no need to pretend with God. We can tell Him we’re tired, stressed, confused or worried. He understands, and He always cares about how we’re feeling.

 

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