Have you met the incredibly cheerful Christian? You know the one I mean, the person who lives in eternal sunshine, no problems, everything is peachy. Not the one who has matured and experiences real deep joy. This is the one you avoid seeing because you know your life has troubles, problems and seasons of storms that shake your core, but they never seem to have a hangnail or a bad hair day, let alone a real problem. They never question or doubt, they sail ahead on smooth waters, always answering, "God will take care of you," even when you don't see how He will. They walk around like they are high on what my husband calls "Christian morphine", a drug that numbs them and places that 'all is well' smile on their face when you know that isn't the case.
I am not saying doubt is good, or that God won't take care of you, I am just saying that it is entirely human and normal to feel that way. Those times drive us to the feet of the cross, those times cause us to fall on our knees and really whole-heatedly pour out ourselves to Jesus. Those times of doubt can actually work to cement our faith, to place Ebenezer's (stones of help) in our walk with God, so when doubt creeps back in we can look back and know that God is able, He is willing, and He will make a way. But those 'other people' don't seem to have those times. Their mask of happiness covers it all. Their Christian morphine makes all the pain of real life seem to go away.
But it doesn't really go away, does it? I have to admit, I have done this in my own life. The answer of "fine" when asked "how are you doing?" by someone who may or may not want the real answer. No, you don't need to spill your guts to every acquaintance that asks. But what about Sunday morning? When you are among fellow Christians? Why don't we open up ourselves then? That, for me, is when I become especially guarded. This is the time I should really open up! This is where I should feel safe to pour out my soul. This is when I should say,"Hey! I am having trouble here!" But it is the last place I do that. Just as we are told in Colossians 3:15, we are not alone. We have each other to help us when in trouble, and to delight in times of joy. We don't have to rely on artificial happiness to carry us through until things get better. We have our friends, neighbors and fellow Christians to help us, to be Christ's hands and feet for us. Stop taking the drug that pastes on a smile and allow yourself to be real, authentic. You may open up a door for someone else.
God, remove my reliance on artificiality and help me to open up and be an authentic Christian today. Amen.
Nikki Hamsher
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