July 28, Getting Real with God

Today’s reading: Psalms 136-140

“You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar”
- Psalm 139:1-2.

God already knows your thoughts and your words before you speak them. That is in part why the psalms are so brutally honest, for the writers knew it was ridiculous to try and hide their true feelings. Therefore, when someone says, “I would never say that to the Lord,” they are missing the point that, if they think it, it’s as good as saying it, for God knows. You need to be honest with God in prayer, not for His sake, but for yours. God is not interested in formula praying or in you using King James’ English when you address Him. You don’t have to end your prayers “in Jesus’ name” to get them heard and answered, but you do have to appear before God as you are and not as someone saying what you think God would want you to say. Are you being real with God in prayer? Do you pray transparent prayers, or are you trying to impress God or others with your prayer words? Do you see that God cannot change you into the person He wants you to be if you are pretending to already be that person?