Just some early morning thoughts from me to you…
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Colossians 3: 23-24 (NIV)
You may have heard, or heard of, the song introduced by The Platters, generations ago—The Great Pretender.
It has remained a popular song through many different generations, with its compelling music and lyrics.
Here are some of those words—
“Oh yes, I’m the great pretender, pretending that I’m doing well
My need is such, I pretend too much
I’m lonely but no one can tell.Oh yes, I’m the great pretender, adrift in a world of my own
I seem to be what I’m not, you see…
I’m lonely, but no one can tell.”
Ever been there?
Maybe now, or so recently you can still feel it?
Trying to be someone you’re not. Embracing some celebrity or sports figure as a role model so others will think you’re really special. Maybe trying to overcome a childhood where you didn’t feel special.
So, are you running as hard as you can, pretending to be someone or something you’re not, trying to live up to the expectations of others.
Maybe there’s a better way.
I remember going through the process over twenty years ago of trying to decide whether to run for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Every day I would journal my thoughts, meeting notes, advisors’ ideas all designed to help me decide.
I also looked expectantly for God to write the answer—“Yes” or “No”—with His finger in the clouds.
I really did look up—often.
Ultimately I decided not to run, for reasons related to extended family responsibilities, and without God ever writing the answer in the clouds.
But I remembered thinking as I went through that process, journaling this too in my notes—how does someone who doesn’t have an eternal relationship with God deal with seasons of decisions like that, and find the strength, wisdom and peace for what they are facing in those moments.
Struggling? Lonely? Confused? Adrift? Uncertain? Running? People and relationships breaking your heart? Decisions looming, and you have no idea?
And all the while, you’re pretending all is well, pretending to be someone you’re not, and hoping, beyond hope, that no one can tell.
Don’t do it.
Instead, just run to Him. No pretending necessary with the God of all creation.
You’re amazing to Him. Just as you are.
No matter what others may say about you, or how they may treat you—to God, you’re amazing.
He created you, so be yourself—that’s the best there is!
No need to pretend with Him.
Just run to the God who will tell you, again and again, that you are—Amazing!
In His Name–Scott
