Some Days I Wear A Mask


Yeah, that's me on my motorcycle sporting my nephew's Incredible Hulk mask. It's a little creepy looking...masks always are. Although that's true sometimes I still wear one. When I wake up down for no explainable reason, I just put a mask on. When I'm afraid of what's going on around me a mask usually does the trick. Most of us have a few. Fake smiles and looks of confidence when internally we feel everything other than what we're showing. I'm not sure what you do, but on my mask wearing days I usually try this.

I Talk To Myself
Everyone talks to themselves. Usually we're our toughest critics, and convince ourselves of the worse possible outcome in a difficult situation. On my mask wearing days, when my smile is forced, I tell myself what God says about me. I learned this from the prophet Jeremiah. 
"I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." Lamentations 3:24.
Jeremiah talked to himself, and instead of quoting lies from the devil he told himself what God said is true. That's what I tell myself also.

I Pray
Mask wearing days usually require prayer throughout the day so I try to stay tuned in. I talk to God when I'm walking down the hall, driving my car, sitting in a meeting, or you name it. I do this because when I do, "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard(s) (my) heart and (my) mind in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7.

I Worship
Whether I feel like or not isn't important. Remembering the good things God has done and giving him thanks brings a genuine smile to my face. God has been good to me, His mercies are new every morning, and his faithfulness is beyond comprehension.
"Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me." Psalm 103:2.

If I do what I need to do on days when I'm forcing it my situation doesn't always change, but I do. As I press through my day I discover my pretend smile sometimes becomes a real one. Even when it doesn't at least I'm walking in the liberty of genuineness instead of the bondage of a mask. I hope these things help you, and feel free to share what you do as a comment below.

Following the Son,
James A Williams

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