Jonah 1:7–16 ‘“Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” he replied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.”’(v12)
The pressure of concealment is a heavy burden to carry. Our decision making is private unless we choose to reveal it.
Adam hid from God and discovered nowhere lies outside God’s gaze. Past mistakes, deceptions, and untruths depend upon our carefully managed efforts to keep them hidden.
Yet they’re never hidden from God. Jonah imagines he can run from God, yet circumstances teach him that God is with him even on the run.
When we conceal things for our comfort or advantage, the consequences will be felt by others. The sailors fight against the storm without success and eventually Jonah acknowledges he is the source of their problems.
It is worth noting their first instinct is to afford him protection, but nothing can withstand the purpose of God.
Acknowledgement frees us from carrying secrets and empowers us to address the consequences now, rather than running scared of the day they find the light of day.
We can lay down our inner burden and enjoy a fresh start, even if it requires that we make amends or redirect our life’s course.
God encourages us to confess to Him regularly, but sometimes such confessions amount to little more than sharing a secret with ourselves.
There is a benefit to sharing with others by acknowledging the ways in which we instinctively seek to protect ourselves from pain.
Avoidance only increases the shame and fear we carry within. The fact that we are known completely by God helps us to live with others, unapologetic for our ‘warts and all’.
A Prayer To Make:
‘Lord, may I find the courage to be honest with You and myself, also learn to be transparent with those I trust and love. Amen.’
An Action To Take:
In many ways we’re discouraged from honesty fearing we will appear vulnerable. However, honesty and authenticity go hand in hand, so learn to be honest with God, yourself, and others.
Scripture To Consider:
Prov. 28:9–14; Jonah 2:1–9; Jas 5:13–20; 1 John 1:5–10
