Painted Faces

Hot cup of coffee in hand, I listened as my friend unburdened her soul and all that was causing conflict in her heart. As she struggled to find words, she told me that she was exhausted of living week after week wearing a painted face, all while recognizing and pointing out the painted faces of others in her life.

The painted face. Too many wear it too well. In my experience, the painted face- the cover we wear in an attempt to protect ourselves and our pride- only leads us down a crumbling path of destruction. What begins as a painted face quickly descends into a masked soul. Soon, a suffocated spirit. Without the oxygen it desperately needs, a suffocated spirit eventually causes us to operate day after day with a mind lacking in spiritual wisdom and knowledge.

When we are being transformed by Christ’s Spirit, we often crave deeper understanding into different situations and circumstances in our life and spiritual walk with Jesus. This craving of sorts can satisfied through the Holy Spirit by giving us wisdom which is the ability to think and act using knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, and insight. Scripture promises us that this wisdom will be lavished upon us generously if only we are to ask.

James 1:5, If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

If only we are to ask! In the book of Philippians, the apostle Paul speaks of taking our requests to the throne of God: Philippians 4:6, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Wisdom isn’t a one-time request. When asking The Lord for wisdom- insight and understanding- in a situation or circumstance with which we are struggling, we must use our many senses to see Him at work within and around us. We need not be anxious when asking God to show us the way through this hard fought life. And we must be grateful, giving praise for all His has done, for He is faithful to see us through. Wisdom is good and pure and just and of these things He desires to give to us generously!

So when we have asked in prayer and petition, giving gratitude for this generous gift, our minds will become rich in spiritual wisdom and knowledge. This wisdom and and knowledge will begin to infuse life into our once suffocated spirit which gives way to the unmasking of our soul. And then, the peace that comes with these freedoms washes away the layers painted upon our faces, allowing the presence and power of Jesus to shine right through.

Father, we ask of you for great wisdom this day. In all we seek are seeking to understand, may you grant us the peace that comes with your presence in our lives. And we offer you great gratitude and praise for all that you have done! In Jesus name, Amen.

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