Airbrushed Image

Here is a startling piece of news!
Julia Roberts is getting older!
But the recent L'Oreal advert made her look much younger, as part of their campaign to sell more of their expensive anti-ageing cream. She was made to look younger, not by the cream in question, but by some clever airbrushing work on the computer!!
So they have been telling lies, and have been told to stop it.
But most of us would like an airbrushed image - to seem better than we are, so that we might be better liked and appreciated. In our image obsessed culture, we focus on the outward appearance. And yet we live with the fear that 'if you really knew me, you wouldn't like me'.
The Psalmist has discovered an astonishing truth. Not only does the Lord know all about him, but he knows he is loved and blessed by his all-knowing Creator..
O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.
  You know when I sit down or stand up.
      You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
  You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.
      You know everything I do.
  You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.
  You go before me and follow me.
      You place your hand of blessing on my head.
  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
      too great for me to understand! (Psalm 139.1-6)
To know we are loved by the One who made us, and who knows us through and through, is the way to freedom from our relentless obsession with ourselves. As Jesus said, "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8.32)
The truth which sets us free can be put in many ways. How about this thought? We are NOT the centre of the universe, and we are loved by the One who is.
I find that so amazing, that it frees me from loads of worries and fears. Good medicine for a sick soul!
Best wishes,
Richard