Unveiled Hearts: Gone With The Veil

How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful!

Song of Solomon 1:15

 

Yes, beloved ones—that is God, the lover of our souls, passionately calling to each of us! Don’t turn away from Him. I beg you.

Will we come to the One Who calls us beautiful, daring to let Him see us unveiled, day in and day out? Even when we are snared by the ugliness of doubt and shame? Or will I continue as a denial diva in deceit (see Jeremiah 17:9)?

A bride’s veil traditionally proclaims her modesty and purity. It testifies to her reverence for God, and it reminds us of the Temple veil which was torn in two when Jesus dies on the cross. The tearing of that veil, representing Jesus’ flesh, took away the separation between God and man, allowing believers entry into the presence of God!

To live unveiled is to be exposed and vulnerable. The benefit of having an unveiled heart is that we are able to experience deep intimacy with God our Creator.

Moses veiled his face from his direct encounter with God so that the Israelites wouldn’t see the radiance fade since their hearts were hardened. In contrast, when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. His work within us progressively and continually transforms to vibrantly display His splendor (2 Corinthians 3:12-18). The veil is gone! Once for all! But—we have a choice...

Are we ready to offer our unveiled hearts to God to allow Him complete access to our innermost being? Even in the midst of pain and suffering? Especially then. When we willingly offer our whole hearts to Him, we are admitting that we need Him.

C. S. Lewis, in The Problem of Pain. writes that pain gives opportunity to remove the veil from our hearts.

Lord, I don’t want to waste my pain and sorrows. Use my suffering to bring me closer to Your heart. Search me, O God, and know my heart... (Psalm 139:23).

Karen Sims