Almighty God, to whom all hearts be open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid; Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
—Book of Common Prayer 1662 (translation)
What does it mean that from God “no secrets are hid?” And, what impact does the reality of this truth have on our daily walk of obedience with our God of Love, Mercy, and Grace?
Do you remember how you felt as a child when someone told you a secret? Most of us learn pretty early in our lives the power that comes from knowing something that others don’t know. In fact, most of us also learn pretty early in our lives that secrets offer a most powerful way to manipulate others.
“I know something you don’t know!” chanted that nasty little tike that lived around the corner from the home in which you grew up.
Secrets have the power to hurt. Secrets, sometimes, also have the power to heal.
When a dear friend comes to you with a very serious problem and, in confidence, shares with you. Holding that information in strictest confidence, while you pray earnestly for God to help your friend deal with his or her problem, can offer a healing balm to soothe a wound of the soul.
Even in our own lives, in the deepest recesses of our hearts, we often harbor secrets that we feel we can share with no one. That’s the beauty of this declaration from The Book of Common Prayer. The same God “to whom all hearts be open, all desires known” is also the God “from whom no secrets are hid.” When we become a child of God, the Holy Spirit comes to live within us. No longer do we have the ability to harbor secrets from God. He knows us in the most intimate manner possible. He knows our thoughts, He knows our hearts, He knows our desires, and He knows our secrets.
Today, as you continue to journey along the pathway that God has laid out before you, take courage in knowing that the God who knows your secrets will grant you wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to deal with whatever circumstances occur in your life. The power of the indwelling Holy Spirit will enable you to face every challenge and overcome every obstacle. So, breathe a sigh of relief. You can rest in God’s love, joy, and peace all through this day.
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