CURRENT THEME: New hope for 2013 (If you want to read about specific themes in this series, send me an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

DAY 2: NEW HOPE ... WITHOUT SECRETS

By Benescke Janse van Rensburg

Yesterday was a big day for the world-renowned cyclist, Lance Armstrong. Did he, after many months, finally acknowledge his alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs, or did he continue denying it? The world will have to wait until the first TV interview he granted to Oprah Winfrey yesterday, will be aired on Thursday evening.

Since the U.S. Anti-doping Agency (Usada) published its report on Armstrong’s alleged lies, he lost many of his sponsors. He was also stripped of his seven Tour de France titles.

Whether Armstrong is guilty or not, is not for me to judge. However, what I do find interesting, is how any dark secret in our lives can turn into a monster, continually breathing down our necks. It robs us of our joy and peace and causes us to take out our built-up frustration on those around us that we are supposed to love most. And when this is happening, the enemy sits with a smile, knowing that dark secrets lock us up in prison, preventing us from enjoying an abundant life.

What is the dark secret in your life? An affair? An Addiction? A dishonest deal at work? Did you maybe have an abortion? Or were you molested or perhaps you molested someone? Do you feel the monster breathing down your neck? Why not slay it by speaking to God about it?

Listen again to the words of Jesus in Matthew 10:26-28: “... for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. . .” And in Hebrews 4:13 we read: “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

God sees and knows everything. His desire is for us to come to Him for He is light and in Him there is no shadow of darkness. Why, therefore, don’t you speak to Him about your secrets? If you truly repent and turn away from your sins, He promises to remove them as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12).

Sometimes the consequences of telling the truth can seem overwhelming. God however will strengthen you to bear all things. Even though the consequences might be painful for a period of time, He will help you, free you and cause you to step out victoriously on the other side, with new hope in your heart.

Don’t wait until it is too late. It is far better for your secrets to be exposed on earth rather than being exposed while you are standing before God’s throne, right? Take the decision today and know that God will never leave nor forsake you.

Father God, I bring (the secret in your life) to you. Thank you for not forsaking me, but helping me to deal with it. Please guide me by your Holy Spirit to daily live in your light. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

** Benescke Janse van Rensburg is a freelance journalist and author of the books, Ontdek God in die stories van mense, Wysheid-oordenkings uit Spreuke and Hoop in tye van nood-oordenkings uit Psalms.