The Mask Maker

There comes a point in all of our lives where we feel like giving up.

Because we aren't good enough.

Because we aren't pretty enough.

Because we aren't strong enough.

Because we don't fit in.

Because we didn't get the job promotion that we deserved [more than anyone in the office].

Because our family member- who still had years of life yet to experience- died unexpectedly.

You name it.

We've all been there.
We know how it feels.
And it hurts.

Bad.

We cry out, "Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?" (Psalm 10: 1, NIV)

Why?

We experience this pain sometimes once or even constantly. Life just seems like it sucks. Life seems like it isn't fair. And we wallow in our complaints of what it should be instead of seeing the goodness that exists within the precious gift that we hold in our hands.

When we experience an unexpected twist in our lives, we can go one of two ways.

#1: We can cry out to God in our pain and place our burdens in His hands. We can choose to thank Him for the goodness and His presence in our lives in the midst of all the chaos and believe that His promises for us are unfailing, His love unending.

"Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest . . . for your souls. For my yoke is wholesome, and My burden is light and easy to be borne." (Matthew 11:29-30, AMP)

Unfortunately, though, a lot of the time it looks like #2: inviting the Mask Maker in.

His masks are a perfect fit and they serve the same purpose; to hide us from our pain and  our fears. They give us the freedom to run without ceasing while leaving everything behind. And it doesn't matter who we hurt in the process because we don't feel their pain. We can live as if it never happened; start over. We save ourselves selfishly. And the only one who commends you for it is the one who deserves not an ounce of our attention, but finds ways to get it anyway because that's just who he is; Satan.   

When we wear these masks, we fool no one but ourselves. We live in denial for so long, hoping that we can forget what's been done.

But it doesn't work like that. You see, when you wear a mask, Satan wants you to remember. He wants you to remember so you'll keep wearing what belongs to him. He wants your undivided attention.

Running from the battle you left behind isn't chasing you, but it's still right there where you left it.

Wearing a mask doesn't make your life any easier.

Did you hear that?

Despite your efforts to make life everything you've always wanted it to be, you'll never find true happiness until you take the mask off.

Sure, the mask is completely invisible physically. But that doesn't mean that people can't see it.

True happiness comes from realizing that God accepts you JUST AS YOU ARE, no matter your mistakes. When we try to hide our pain, God still sees it. When we try to run, God is still there. When we shed tears, God wipes them. When we feel alone, God is still there. And despite our imperfections and constant mess ups, He still loves us- unconditionally. He knows when we're hurting. He hurts with you. He knows when we're scared. He protects you. Walk through life's unexpected circumstances with the One who holds your life in His hands. And walk with the awareness of this Truth in total confidence.

You have someone to turn to. Turn to Him

You have someone to cry to. Cry to Him.

You have someone to praise. Praise Him.

"But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand." (Psalm 10:14, NIV)

  

"You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted;

 You encourage them, and you listen to their cry;
 defending the fatherless and the oppressed,

 in order that man, who is of the earth

 may terrify no more." (Psalm 10:17-18, NIV)

Praise Him when life is good.

Praise Him when life is bad.

Set the Lord YOUR God before you and praise Him, always.

Take the mask off, and walk back to what you've left behind.

Be the you that God created you to be.

Feed your fears and your faith will starve. Feed your faith, and your fears will.

 -Max Lucado

Prayer: God, thank you for giving us life. And despite the mistakes we make in this life, thank you for loving us at our worst.. I pray for the hearts that have read this devotional today. Open their hearts and let Your love in. Transform them, God. Let them shine in the image that you created us to live out; Yours. No matter what it is they may be facing, remind them of Your presence. Be the light in this storm. God, help us to remove our masks, face our fears, and wear our one true identity, which is found in, and only in You. It's in your precious Son's name I pray, Amen.

  

About the Author :

Emily Lauren is a 20 year old southern girl who has a heart for loving Jesus, loving others, and serving the world. She is currently pursuing a degree in ministry as she continues to fall madly in love with Jesus by the day. Emily is also a lover of books, coffee, koalas, yoga, and the great outdoors. Her daily dose of life consists of a little bit of coffee and a whole lot of Jesus.