Truth in the Inward Being

You desire truth in the inward parts. - Psalm 51:6

Ironically, it’s a real temptation to try to please God because it can lead us to exaggerate our goodness and to focus on how we’re better than others. Trying to please God can become an obsessive approach to morality that is nit-picky and very self-focused. Indeed, it can end up being downright selfish.

But there’s another approach to pleasing God that focuses on honesty. It recognizes that no amount of sin could separate us from God (think of the famous passage in Romans 8). This approach focuses on how we’re so deeply loved by God that the only thing that can interfere with our relationship with God is hiding (think of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden).

In the words of a great spiritual teacher:

The real mark of personal authenticity is not how intensely we can express our feelings but how honestly we can look at where they’re coming from and spot the elements of clinging, manipulation, and personal agendas that make up so much of what we experience as our emotional life today. —Cynthia Bourgeault

Take a few deep breaths and settle into God’s love. Then take a few moments to try to speak honestly to God about something - whether good or bad, hopeful or despairing - that is going on in your heart. Then take a few more deep breaths, knowing that you’ve pleased God by naming truth in your inner being.