Seeing God Makes Me See Myself

The more I see God, the more I see myself, and it is not always pretty. Considering God’s holiness, the ugly parts of me are really pronounced. The more I press into His presence, the more I see my need for Him to transform me. His light reveals the darkness and calls me higher. In the presence of other broken humans, I can convince myself that I am doing fine and even become self-righteous. Using flawed men and women as the standard is never a good idea. But who can contend with a Holy God? In His presence, who can boast of her righteousness that is like filthy rags? I read His word, and it reads me and reveals my heart, and I am aware of my fickleness, and my utter need for Him to continuously transform me. I cry out like David did in Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me,” and I mean it. He shows me myself, not to condemn me but to call me higher. He shows me myself and reminds me He has already offered the remedy to change me-the blood of His son Jesus. This change is continuous. Oh, I am not in despair, I am brought to tears because I realize how deeply and completely I am loved by Him! In my flaws I am loved, and He wants me to continue to come to Him so I can become who He has called me to be-it is a journey. I want to just remain in His presence because it is the safest place to be. I want to remain on the altar, making myself as a living sacrifice, so He can purify and make me look more like Him with each passing day.  When God shows us who we really are and areas that He wants to refine in us, we can have one of two responses. We can deny what He has shown us and keep it moving or stop to acknowledge our brokenness and yield to being sanctified. The correct choice is obvious, but sadly it is not the one our flesh wants us to choose. Let us press to see God and as He shows us ourselves, let us make the correct choice and yield to Him transforming us.

Blessings

Anika