Matthew 26:39, "My Father, if there is any way, get me out of this. But please, not what I want. You, what do you want?"

Psalm 73:26, "My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever."

Think

Vulnerability tends to get a bad rap. It's often perceived as weakness. However, when God is involved, what we might consider as weakness is precisely what gives us strength. You see, being vulnerable with God draws us closer to Him, and we're strengthened by His mighty power - a power that makes even makes Vin Diesel, The Rock, and John Cena, combined, look like newborn kittens!

In today's reading, Jesus - the ultimate strong man - expressed utter vulnerability. Fully aware of His impending gruesome death on the cross and - even more excruciating - total separation from the Father, He prayed. Because although He was fully God, He was also fully man, and no human could face what He faced (even knowing the end result) without first crying out for relief. We'll never truly grasp what Jesus experienced, but we can follow His example and pour out our anguished hearts to God in prayer.

We are only as sick as our secrets. God knows what we've done, what we're struggling with, and what's ahead. Yet, still, He wants to listen, to share such intimate moments with His children. As we cling to His strength and comply with His will, He ushers in healing, comfort, and guidance that only He can bring into our lives. When we are weak, He is strong!

Regardless of how long it's been since you last talked with God, He's still just a prayer away! So, be vulnerable, pour out your heart in His presence, and listen for His voice - He always has great things to say.

Act

Tell God what's on your heart today and then quiet your mind and be still as you listen for His voice.

Pray

Dear Lord, I know that I'm only as sick as my secrets. Today, I open my heart to You and lay bare my innermost thoughts. For it's there that I know I'll find the healing and comfort that I seek. In Jesus' name, Amen.