Baring the Soul - Martin Wiles

Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord. 1 Samuel 1:10 NLT

When the time came, she immediately spoke up and shared.

My wife enjoys the small group atmosphere. A little lecture time on the Bible subject at hand, followed by a lot of discussion time, suits her just fine. When leading a small group, having someone like my wife in the group helps to get the discussion flowing. As she shares, others open up and talk also. After all, that’s really the point of a small group: talking, not lecturing.

But there are some things my wife won’t share. The real personal things. I’m more apt to share them—and then hear from her later that I shouldn’t have. She grew up in a home where her parents shared nothing personal. Like many from their generation, they were very private.

Mom also possesses the gift of gab. One person once told my dad they knew why he went into the ministry: so he could have an opportunity to talk. Spending a little time with Mom bears out the truth of his observation. She shares … and shares again … and shares some more. So much so that getting a word in takes real effort.

Unlike my wife, Mom will share the personal stuff. Spend a little time with her, and you will know everything there is to know about me and my two brothers, along with our wives, children, and grandchildren. Mom shares too much, but she enjoys baring other people’s souls.

Hannah bared her soul. No matter how hard she and her husband tried, she couldn’t conceive. With tears of anguish, she took the matter to God, and He answered her prayer. As she promised, after the child was weaned, she returned him to God to work in God’s house.

Sharing isn’t easy for some because doing so involves vulnerability. And becoming vulnerable takes down the façade we enjoy erecting. The front that makes it appear we have life altogether and that we’re perfect in everything we do and say—even though we know those things are lies.

But baring the soul carries important benefits. For one, it keeps us humble. As we share our struggles and pitfalls, we let pride fly out the window—a trait God despises. And when we open up, it encourages others to open up and share as well. When this happens, we build trusting relationships with others—some that last a lifetime. We also learn from each other. I’ve discovered many biblical truths I had never thought about before through small group interaction.

Why not find a small group and bare your soul?

Prayer: Father, give us the courage to bare our souls before You and others. 

Tweetable: Are you baring your soul to God? 

Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.