I read once that we have an outer self (what we present to the world) and inner self (what we present to ourselves) and a “secret” self (what we don’t always admit, but what we do actually think, plot and desire in the quiet of our mind).
It’s scary to imagine this secret self. Why is it there? How much does it influence us?
What’s scarier still is to think no one knows the secret self besides us. To think no one else can hear the thoughts or the true feelings that swirl around in our hearts–especially when we linger in them.
SOMEONE ALREADY KNOWS OUR SECRETS
God knows what’s in our hearts. He hears and sees all, so he is right there with the “secret self” during the thoughts, plans, reactions and more.
But that’s not a bad thing; if it’s true that whatever is in your heart determines what you say (Matt 12:34), then we realize just how much we need God to be in that place with us.
David prayed for a pure heart. He was on to something.
In the beginning, God knew.
The LORD observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. (Genesis 6:5)
In human form, God knew.
Jesus knew immediately what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts?”(Mark 2:8)
SO WHAT’S IN YOUR HEART?
It’s easy for us to see what’s in our heart and the heart of others by simply observing. Granted, we’re human, so we have our moments, but what we want to ponder is this: Is it a moment or is it a lifestyle?
Not only does God see what’s in our heart, but also, with the right kind of sight, others can see it too.
A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart. (Luke 5:45)
We’re not alone in our secrets. God knows all. It’s just a matter of time before we turn to him in those dark rooms and ask for him to enter. That’s when lives change.