Today, we are looking at the double-edged sword of honesty. We often want the “freedom” part of the promise without the “facing it” part of the process. The Hard Road to Freedom, Daily Devotional for April 10.
The Hard Road to Freedom – Daily Devotional for April 10
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)
The Weight of the Mirror
Facing the truth is often one of the most difficult things we ever do because it usually involves the death of an illusion. We work hard to maintain certain versions of ourselves: the person who has it all together, the person who was “right” in that argument, or the person who doesn’t have a problem.
When we finally look at the truth without excuses, it can feel like a crisis. However, this difficulty is the only doorway to real change. You cannot heal a wound that you are pretending isn’t there.
The Comfort of the Cage
Sometimes we stay in the “prison” of a lie because the bars feel familiar. We avoid the truth because we fear what people will think or what it will cost us to change. But a “comfortable lie” is still a cage.
The truth might be difficult to face, but it is the only thing that can unlock the door. The initial sting of honesty is always better than the long-term ache of pretending.
The Foundation of Grace
The beautiful thing about God is that He already knows the truth you are afraid to face. You aren’t “breaking the news” to Him.
When you come to Him in total honesty, you aren’t met with a lecture: You are met with a Savior. He doesn’t use the truth to crush you; He uses it to clear the ground so He can build something new.
Devotional for every day: Daily Devotional
Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, give me the courage to be honest today. Forgive me for the energy I have spent trying to hide my flaws or justify my mistakes. I want to be free more than I want to be “right.” Help me to face the truth, knowing that Your grace is big enough to handle whatever I find there. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
To You
Is there one “difficult truth” you have been avoiding? Perhaps it is a truth about a habit, a relationship, or a feeling you’ve suppressed. Take a deep breath and tell God about it today. The moment you name it is the moment its power over you begins to break.
