Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom.

~Psalm 51:6 NASB

In 2017, I finally decided to enter the world of social media.

I know what you’re thinking. It is pretty funny, considering the fact my grandmother (rest her soul) was posting selfies before me.

Don’t judge me though! I hid for a while because I knew how easily I could get distracted, and I wasn’t sure if I was quite ready to embrace it. However, now that I have joined, it has become my new favorite tool for connecting with others and sharing encouraging messages.

One of the first platforms I joined was Instagram. A friend recommended it would be a good start because I had more control over what I wanted to see, and I could follow people with similar interests. She signed me up and just like that, I was ready for my first post.

Ready. Set. Share.

Upon posting I didn’t realize I would be given the option of applying several different filters to the photo I planned to upload. What I had originally intended to show could now be altered with the swipe of a finger. Later, I discovered this was not just something unique to the Instagram world. Snapchat, other apps, and even my camera were equipped with this lovely feature. Just like that I could add a twinkle to my eyes, brighten a dark image, or make my face look flawless!

I liked the filters and thought they were pretty cute, but unfortunately, when applied they don’t depict a true picture of the real thing.

And then there was #NOFILTER.

I learned that typically people use this hashtag when posting unaltered images. It lets us know that “what you’re seeing is exactly what they were seeing.”

It got me thinking. What if we applied that same principle in our walk with Christ? I know there have been times when I felt I needed to apply “filters” in my relationship with Him. I masked certain areas of my life that He was trying to speak to and walked around as if everything was okay. Yet, it wasn’t a true indication of what was going on in my heart. Like a filtered image, I wasn’t a reflection of the real thing.

I’m learning that God is not looking for a “filtered” version of me. It’s essential that I come before Him, authentic and bare, as the needy soul I am. For it is in that place, I can truly allow Him to examine my heart. Besides, Scripture affirms He is “intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, behold, O Lord, You know it all” (Psalm 139:3-4). So, who was I fooling anyway?

How about you? Are you growing in an authentic relationship in your walk with the Father? Or are you hiding behind filters? Are you allowing fear and shame to block the transparency you need to draw closer to Him? Remember, His desire is for truth in our innermost being, and it starts when we walk in sincerity before Him.

If you’re not sure where to start, I invite you to read aloud, or in your heart, this prayer:

Father God, thank You that You see me through and through. I recognize there are areas of my life that I have masked. Forgive me for allowing pride, fear, or any other thing to prevent me from entering Your presence with a sincere heart. I desire Your truth in my innermost being, but I am not really sure where to start. I ask that Your Holy Spirit help and guide me on what I need to do. May today be the start of my journey towards removing the filters and walking in a more authentic relationship with You. With a humble heart, I submit this prayer.

In Jesus’ name. Amen

Genre: Non-fiction

Adapted from Pages From My Heart: A Devotional for Women, by Lekeisha (Ford) Maldon: Used with permission

Copyright 2021: No Filter: Lekeisha Maldon: All Rights Reserved