Naked Before Him

From time to time, I come across a quote that speaks to me powerfully. When I do, I write it out and post it somewhere to read several times a day, allowing the truth to sink deep in my soul. I routinely write a passage or quote on my bathroom mirror with a dry erase marker, leaving it until it is rooted in my heart, or write the quotes on index cards and strategically place them where I will be prompted to meditate again. Here is one gem I found:

“My faith must move from
what God does to who God is.
My faith must reside in God’s character
not in His acts toward me.

There will be many times when
I will not understand what He does.
But there will never be a moment
when I cannot count on who HE is.”
~Skip Moen

Surrendered Heart
As I meditated days, maybe weeks, on this statement from Skip Moen, I concluded the author is talking of a hard truth that many of us want to avoid when life is difficult. I must learn to cling to the Holy Righteous God, the great I Am. I must be ready to stand before Him with a surrendered heart.

My heart is naked when truly surrendered. I am stripped of my own devised expectations, of all self-focused ambitions, of fears and doubts or haughty demands, instead, I yield to His desires and His plans.

Lesson Learned
Freedom and ecstasy exist in a heart naked/stripped/bare before God. I will be free of condemnation and shame. “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account”  (Hebrews 4:13, NKJV).

During this Covid-19 world pandemic, I believe many, including myself, are questioning, “What are you doing God?” Moen’s quote reminds me to put my focus and trust where it truly belongs – in God’s unwavering character. When I don’t understand what is happening in a chaotic world or in personal life events, my hope and confidence are renewed by being naked before my Lord. I confess my doubts, fears, and anxieties to Him and throw off my plans. My God clothed me with garments of salvation and wraps me in His robe of righteousness.

For Further Study
Read and meditate on Hebrews 4:12-13 and Isaiah 61:8-11. What make-shift coverings do you need to remove to be naked in His presence? Have you been comforted by being wrapped in the Redeemer’s robe of righteousness?

Prayer
Father God, thank You for Your living word. It is powerful, causing me to be humble and to examine myself. Lord, I know I can hide nothing from You. Search my heart and gently strip off everything I’ve used to cover myself with.

You are wonderful to provide me with the garments of salvation. Thank you for wrapping me in a robe of righteousness. What joy, what bliss to be free of condemnation and shame.

When I am mindful of who You are, I can start each day with a song in my heart and a skip in my step by the power given through the Holy Spirit. Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Commissioned ink wash drawings by Luna of Dreamy Luna Art Co. to view more of her works click here.
Digital splatters and quotes added by Manette Kay.