Secrets Revealed

Secrets Revealed

by Diana Scothorn

For years I kept my heart hidden in the dark.  It was more comfortable for me to pretend I was ok.  The longer I kept my heart in protection mode, the greater the deception became in my mind.  Unfortunately, the bigger the secret became in my heart as well.  I didn’t want anyone to know I was weak.

We all want to appear strong in the eyes of our peers.  More than anything, I guess we all want to appear as if…

…our life is picture perfect and we have our act together. Often it is easier to hide behind a marital problem, an addiction, a weight problem, children issues, or behaviors than confront the topic at hand.  Behind every situation, there is a root cause; mine was pride!

Luke 12:2-3 says that all secrets will be uncovered, and the truth will come forth.  There is not one thought, behavior, or action hidden from God. What’s done in the dark will come to light.

The devil loves to keep secrets concealed; God wants our secrets revealed and brought into the light. It is a trick of the enemy to keep us secluded in the dark place. Hiding behind pain is a lonely place to be. We may convince ourselves it is ok. But anytime we live outside God’s provision of peace, we are not ok.

John 1:2 says,  “Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.” When our life is out of balance, our soul is not flourishing. Jesus wants our lives to be complete in Him. He wants us to be mentally, physically, and emotionally whole. That is the picture of a prosperous soul!

When I found out twenty-two years ago that my previous marriage had been compromised four out of the ten years we were married,  I kept it a secret, as I secretly tried to save my marriage.  I was married to a pastor’s son, and we had a platform for ministry.

I did not think anyone would understand this level of betrayal, given our position of influence. I didn’t even tell my mom or immediate family. This is a perfect picture of deception. We need others in times of crisis.  We don’t need to tell everybody, but we need to tell somebody!  We need someone we can trust to lift us in prayer (not gossip) and encourage us along the way. Pride of failure kept my secret secure.

If I didn’t allow others to see my heart, it was easier to convince myself I wasn’t living in the dark.  Unfortunately, it was also easier for others to step on the secret wounds of my heart.  This is return kept me in a weak, fragile, pitiful state.

Colossians 1:9 says we are to ask God to fill us with the knowledge of His will through all wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that we may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of Him and being strengthened with all power.

Secrets make you weak; God’s wisdom gives you the power and strengthens you to endure. Our mistakes do not have to be a secret of hidden condemnation. God has qualified us, and He will rescue us from the dominion of darkness and despair.  It was not until I shared one night at a ladies’ home group that my marriage was in shambles that true freedom was released in my heart.

It was freeing to let my dark secret into the light.  I no longer had to hide behind my pain alone.  I was surprised they did not judge me; they loved me.  That was the first step to accepting the reality of my situation.  I saw the light for the first time.  Although I could not go through this alone, I could do all things through Jesus, who would strengthen me.

Romans 8:1 says it beautifully.  “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” The biggest secret, the devil, will try and hide from you and me is that we have to live in bondage when Jesus has already forgiven us and set us free!