One of the qualities that binds people together is transparency.

When I was in college, I had an inclination to put on a smile and hide my shortcomings. It was a way to guard my heart and reputation, but it blocked me from connecting with people. Sure, I looked “put-together”, but I really wasn’t.

It wasn’t until my sister and I had one of those uncomfortable “heart-to-heart talks” did I realize that I was only hurting myself.  She made me realize that once those walls come down, people can relate to me, and I can start to have stronger relationships.

No one wants to look weak, but we are all weak, if not for the strength that God gives us.  We just need to admit it to ourselves sometimes.

David fell flat on his face when he admitted his shortcomings to God in Psalm 51.  He had sinned against God and others, and when he was confronted with his sin of adultery, he begged God for mercy.  Verses 16 and 17 of this chapter spoke to me as I read this last night:

“You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;

you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;

a broken and contrite heart,

O God, you will not despise.”

God delights in a humble heart that looks to him.  Why? Because he is a good, good Father, and when we fall at his feet, it shows our humility and brokenness without him.  When we have tried putting together the complicated puzzle of our circumstance on our own and none of the pieces fit, we tend to run to God.

Why not trying to run to him first?  Because he delights in his child running to him desperately and saying, “God, you are all I have, but you are all I need.”  And you know what?  He does not despise you for not being perfect.

So, go ahead….let’s get real…with God and with each other.

You will be surprised at how admitting your weaknesses can bind your heart to another person.  It can also draw you closer to God by admitting your need for his perfect strength.

~Betsy