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Secrets with my FatherWednesday, March 1, 2006
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 Jesus says, "When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing ... when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen ... when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen.
"And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
Of course there's the fear of Dad knowing the bad stuff, the secrets I'd just as soon keep to myself. But I'll take the bad with the good. God's substantial and complete knowing of me might make me tremble, but more than anything, it makes me glad. Ashes on my forehead today, perhaps, but mostly I'd like to follow Jesus' plan here, and spend my time with my Father, talking to Him, looking to Him, giving for Him, seeking out sacrifice and service, knowing how much He loves me. Can't please all the people all the time. And why would I want to? Abba Father God knows everything about me, every secret. He never leaves me, never stops loving me. Our communication is complete. There is no more reward, nothing better under the sun. Your smile makes my crowded room a spacious field, Lord, and the touch of your hand lifts me out of my hiding place into the whole blue sky. |
There's something special about having secrets with Dad ... looking over at him in the middle of the crowd, catching his eye, maybe getting a subtle wink or nod of his head. I am so certain at that moment of his love, his approval, his absolute acceptance of me ... I mean, he's my Dad! And I'm his son, and we love each other so much.