Hello, Originally Crowned Warriors!
Today, I want to open my heart and share with you a journey I've been on – God has been leading me through and teaching me about the incredible power of embracing vulnerability with Him. For it is only when we are to strip down and be naked with our Father, can true intimacy begin. It's a lesson I've been learning through the eyes of David, the beloved psalmist who laid bare his heart before our Heavenly Father, particularly in Psalm 142.
The Dance of Vulnerability
Vulnerability is often misunderstood. It's mistakenly viewed as a weakness in a world where masks frequently conceal our true selves. It's about being in a position where others can hurt you, about expressing your deepest, most uncertain sides, and allowing others, including God, to respond. It's about relinquishing control over how others perceive you, potentially compromising the carefully crafted image you've presented to the world.
David's Vulnerability
God, I’m crying out to you! I lift up my voice boldly to beg for Your mercy. I spill out my heart to you and tell you all my troubles. For when I was desperate, overwhelmed, and about to give up, You were the only one there to help. You gave me a way of escape from the hidden traps of my enemies - Psalm 142:2 NLT
In contrast to our world's perception of vulnerability, David, the man after God's own heart, embraced it wholeheartedly. He didn't hide his struggles, fears, or doubts when talking to God. He poured out his complaints, his feelings, EVERYTHING, and shared it all with God. He also repented swiftly when he made mistakes (remember Bathsheba?)
David's relationship with God wasn't a mere venting session; it was a heartfelt dialogue, characterized by full vulnerability and unwavering trust in God with his deepest fears, doubts, and emotions.
I'll be perfectly candid; embracing vulnerability with God hasn't always been a walk in the park for me. In fact, it's been a challenging journey, one I'm still navigating at times. You see, I used to have this notion that I had to present my best self to God – a self with unwavering faith and an unshakable smile. Vulnerability, in my mind, is equated to weakness. I saw God through the lens of my earthly father - stern, unforgiving, hard to please. It felt like I had to be perfect to even approach Him.
However, a profound revelation came my way recently during a 3-day live class with Destiny Thomas, also known as "The Prayerpist®," where she delved into the transformative training of "Healing Through Prayerpy®."
It was during this class that I had an "AHA" moment that reshaped my perspective on vulnerability with God. I realized that God will only go as deep with us as we are willing to go with Him. I had been fervently praying for a deeper connection and greater intimacy with Him, yearning for Abba to plumb the depths of my soul. Yet, something seemed to be missing.
Destiny drew a poignant parallel between our human relationships and our relationship with God. In an intimate partnership, when we bare our true selves, we strip down to our core, exposing every imperfection - the stretch marks, scars, and insecurities. It's a vulnerable moment, the first time we reveal ourselves to someone, wondering if they will accept and love every part of us. It involves letting go of control and placing trust in that person.
The same applies to our relationship with Abba. It's a process of stripping away pretense and surrendering to our Perfect Father, who loves and accepts us just as we are. He already knows everything about us. He chooses us every single day, scars and all. God, in His infinite patience, showed me a different path. He gently, lovingly, and persistently taught me that He doesn't desire pretense, perfection, or performance. Instead, He longs for our hearts. He beckons us to share everything with Him, to be completely open, raw, and vulnerable. This is the key to building true intimacy with our Heavenly Father.
I am profoundly grateful to God for being my patient teacher on this journey. His guidance is leading me towards a deeper connection with Him, one where vulnerability isn't about exposing our flaws to a harsh judge, but about unveiling our hearts before a loving Father who cradles us in His boundless love and grace.
So, how can we follow in David's footsteps and become more vulnerable with God?
Here are seven steps to help you embrace vulnerability:
Heart-to-Heart Conversations: This one is important… Engage in heart-to-heart talks with God, just like David. Share everything: your fears, your fears, doubts, and struggles, knowing that He's always listening. (Psalm 62:8 NIV)
Journal Your Feelings: Maintain a journal to jot down your thoughts and emotions. Pouring them onto paper can help you open up to God more freely. (Psalm 145:5 NIV)
Pray Openly: In your prayers, be real and raw. Speak your mind, knowing that God understands and accepts you as you are. (Philippians 4:6 NIV)
Meditate on His Word: Immerse yourself in the Psalms and other parts of the Bible where people expressed their vulnerabilities. Let their words inspire your conversations with God. (Psalm 119:105 NIV)
Practice Patience: Vulnerability takes time, especially if it's new to you. Be patient with yourself as you learn to open up and trust God more deeply. (Romans 8:25 NIV)
Seek Accountability: Share your journey with a trusted friend or mentor who can offer support and encouragement along the way. (Proverbs 27:17 NIV)
Surrender Control: Release control and trust God's plan for your life. Surrendering control can be a profoundly vulnerable act of faith. (Proverbs 16:3 NIV)
The Power of Vulnerability
Embracing vulnerability with God isn't a sign of weakness; it's a testament to our trust and faith in Him. Like David, we can pour out our hearts, knowing that God is our refuge and loving Father. This vulnerability is the key to real intimacy and hearing God’s voice with crystal clear clarity. So, let's journey together towards deeper vulnerability with God, discovering the boundless strength that lies in our openness.
🌟 Announcing Our Next Workshop: 🌟
I'm excited to announce our upcoming workshop on September 15th at 9 p.m. (EDT) on Zoom.
This workshop is titled "Return To My First Love ~ Intimate Moments With Abba," and it's going to be a powerful experience.
Tickets: Only $20 (Purchase here)
Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your faith, experience breakthroughs, and connect with a supportive community of like-minded souls.
I pray that this has blessed you. Till next time friends!
In Love and Faith,
Melissa J 💕
Identity & Faith Specialist
Originally Crowned™
PS. If this message resonates with you, drop a ❤️ Amen below and share what part resonated with you in the comments.
PSS. If you would like to learn more about Prayerpy® and working with Destiny Thomas "The Prayerpist®, check her website here.
#VulnerableWithGod #HeartToHeartTalks #RawHonesty #EmbraceTheJourney #FaithWalk #IAmMelissaJFoster #YouAreLoved #InspirationDaily #BibleVerseOfTheDay #TrustHisPlan
Comentários