#NoFilter
Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being,
And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom. (Psalm 51:6)
So this year I finally decided to enter the world of social media. I know what you’re thinking, it is pretty funny, considering the fact my grandmother was posting selfies before me. Don’t judge me…lol. I hid out for a while because I know how easily distracted I can get, and wasn’t sure if I was quite ready for it. 🙂 However, now that I have joined, it has become my new favorite tool for connecting with others and sharing encouraging messages.
One of the first platforms I joined was Instagram. A friend recommended it would be a good start because I had more control over what I wanted to see and could follow people with similar interests. She signed me up and just like that, I was ready for my first post. Ready. Set. Share.
Now upon posting I didn’t realize that I would be given the option of applying several different filters to the photo I was going to upload. What I had originally intended to show could now be altered with the swipe of a finger. Later on I discovered that this was not just something unique to the Instagram world. SnapChat, other apps, and even my camera were equipped with this lovely feature. Just like that I could add a twinkle to my eyes, brighten a dark image, or make my face look flawless!
I like filters and think they’re pretty cool, but unfortunately when applied they don’t depict a true picture of the real thing.
And then there was: #NOFILTER.
I learned typically people use this hashtag when posting “unaltered images.” It basically lets us know that what “you’re seeing is exactly what they were seeing.”
It got me to thinking, what if we applied that same principle in our walk with Christ? I know there have been times when I felt I needed to apply “filters” in my relationship with Him. I masked certain areas of my life that He was trying to speak to and I walked around as if everything was ok. Yet, it wasn’t a true indication of what was really going on in my heart. Like a filtered image, I wasn’t a reflection of the real thing.
I’m learning that God is not looking for a “filtered” version of me. It’s important that I come before Him, authentic and bare, as the needy soul I am. For it is in that place, that I can truly allow Him to examine my heart. Besides, Scripture declares that He is “…intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is word on my tongue, behold, O Lord, You know it all.” (Psalm 139:3-4). So who was I fooling anyway?
So how about you? Are you growing in an authentic relationship in your walk with God? Or are you hiding behind filters? Is fear or shame preventing the transparency needed for you to draw closer to Him? His desire is for truth in our innermost being and it starts when we walk in sincerity before Him.
If you’re not sure where to start I invite you to read the simple prayer below.
Father,
Thank you, that You see me through and through. I recognize that there are areas of my life that I have masked. Forgive me for allowing pride, fear, or any other thing prevent me from entering Your presence with a sincere heart. I desire Your truth in my innermost being, but I am not really sure where to start. So I ask that Your Holy Spirit would help and guide me on what I need to do.
May today be the start of my journey towards removing the filters and walking in a more authentic relationship with You.
With a humble heart I submit this prayer. In Jesus Name, Amen.
With Lots of Love!
Keisha
