The Strength to Be Real

We experience pressures to polish every part of our lives until they shine. Whether it’s on social media or at church, you often feel like you need to look like you’ve got it all together. But inside, you’re carrying burdens—hurts, disappointments, fears. And you wonder: If people saw the real me, would they accept me?

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
– Psalm 34:18 ESV

The real you is the one God loves — not the “perfect Christian” version. You, with the broken pieces, the doubts, the past mistakes—He loves you right there.

Our verse today says God is close to the broken, the crushed, the ones who say, “God, I can’t do this alone.”

Maybe today you’re tired of pretending. Maybe you’re holding back tears at work, or you’re putting on a brave face at church, or you’re scrolling through Instagram wondering why everyone else’s life looks better than yours.

You don’t have to fake it. God is not afraid of your truth.

Blessing Offor learned this in his music and life—that the lyrics that touch people the most are the ones that tell the messy truth. The same is true for you: the real connections you long for will only come when you let others see the real you.

You don’t need to wait until you’re “better” to come to God or to your community. God can handle your doubts. He can carry your pain. And the right people—the ones God places in your life—will love you more, not less, when you’re honest.

So today, you can let go. You can be real. And right there, in that vulnerable place, you will find that you are deeply loved.

Today’s One Thing
If you’re tired of pretending, declare to the Father and to yourself: I am loved as I am. God is near to me in my brokenness. I don’t need to be perfect to be accepted. I am free to be real.

Go Deeper

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