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#31 My Heart Undressed: Your Strongest SupporterJANE PHINNEY: No human can see what’s going on in your soul. In fact, if we’re honest, most of the time we don’t even understand ourselves completely. But as our Creator, our heavenly Father does.
For over four decades, I’ve watched my wife Jane pour her heart into every word she writes. Her devotionals aren’t just reflections—they’re revelations. Time and again, I’ve seen lives transformed by the gentle power of her pen, guided by the Spirit and anchored in truth. Jane’s writings carry a rare depth that speaks to the soul, offering comfort, conviction, and clarity in a world desperate for all three. I’m honored to walk beside her, and even more honored to witness the ripple effect of her faith-filled words across generations. - Stephen
Listen to the podcast version: YOUR STRONGEST SUPPORTEROne of the Hebrew names for God, Elroi, is first recorded in Genesis 16:13. Hagar had been set up, & then rejected, by her mistress Sarai. Because God spoke to her when she was driven away, she called on the “God who sees me.” No human can see what’s going on in your soul. In fact, if we’re honest, most of the time we don’t even understand ourselves completely. But as our Creator, our heavenly Father most assuredly does. How comforting is it, for you, to know that God sees you, 24/7? Sometimes that truth can make us squirm a little, because we erroneously think that we can hide from Him. The enemy delights to deceive us into thinking we have more control than we do. Or we lie to ourselves, about ourselves. It’s like a toddler who covers their eyes & is convinced that because they can’t see you, you can’t see them. Truthfully, there isn’t a place we can go, or run away to, that our Creator isn’t fully aware of us. Proverbs 15:3 says, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, watching the good & the evil.” Jeremiah 16:7 asserts, “For My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from My face, nor is their iniquity concealed from my eyes. Job says, “Does He not see my ways, & number my steps?” (31:4) “He does not withdraw His eyes from the righteous.” (36:7) “He looks to the ends of the earth & sees everything under the heavens.” (28:24) “For He knows false men & He sees iniquity without investigating.” (11:11) The first verse that pops into my head when remembering that God sees me, is 2 Chronicles 16:9. “For the eyes of the Lord move to & fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. (Most people stop reading at this point.) I ponder the “completely.” Hm-m…to the best of my understanding, is my heart all His? Complete, in original Hebrew, means whole, perfect, & a just measure. God requires obedience & He gives us every opportunity to repent. The wholeness referred to is found in restored relationships, living in harmony with Him. So, a heart completely His would be a prerequisite to His strong support. Some folks “check-in” with God, laying claim to His promises when they’re in a crisis. But our life in Christ isn’t a hotel, or a rest stop, where we come & go as we please. It’s a full-on occupation by the Holy Spirit. We embrace the whole Truth, not just the part that makes us feel better with a quick fix. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out why withholding from God would bring warring in our souls, or even in our relationships. The last part of vs 9 says it best. “You have acted foolishly in this. Indeed, from now on you will surely have wars.” Sometimes we are our own worst enemy. Although no one is perfected in their life experience while living on earth, our heavenly Father accepts us unconditionally when we have believed in, & received, the Lord Jesus Christ. As His children, He desires the intention of our heart to be wholly devoted to Him. It’s a growing & learning process, yielding to Him as we move throughout the day. Then “the God who sees” becomes a very welcoming thought & a secure place to run to. He is our strength, rock, fortress, deliverer, refuge, shield, & stronghold. He rescues us, lights our way, trains us & protects us. (Psalm 18) He is our stability (faithfulness)…the source of salvation, wisdom, & knowledge. Our true treasure is reverencing the Lord, recognizing Him as all-powerful (Isaiah 33:6). Who wouldn’t want to be seen by a loving, sovereign God like this?? What a privilege! I love it that when I’m awake, & alone, in the wee hours of the morning, He sees me. I love it that I can pour out my heart to Him & know that He won’t reject me. I love it that He sees inside my mind & emotions and helps me sort out the Truth of the matter at hand…even when I might not want to look at it the way He does. I love it that the Truth of His Word moves me past my self-perception of rejection, to embrace His love. I love it that He hears my tearful, grappling prayers & He comforts me. My situation might not change but I am released from the entrapment in my soul. I love it that He reveals Himself in small ways, that minister to my heart. He sees me, no matter what I’m doing or where I’m going. Today I am processing sudden loss. One sunny day in July, we had our monthly day-long meeting with our closest Kansas friends. We have a special heart connect in Jesus. We share life’s trials, we share what God is doing in our lives, & we pray for each other’s kids. Sometimes we laugh…often at ourselves. Four days later, Gale was admitted to the hospital. Three weeks later he went Home. We can blame the virus. But the fact remains, Gale could not surpass the number of months that God had set for him. (Job 14:5) We just didn’t know that day was now. I’m thankful that when the 4 of us said goodbye, I hugged Gale & told him that I loved him. Steve’s tribute was read at the close of the celebration service, ending with a song he wrote. Tears flowed freely. But now my mind is pulling up other memories. And I feel at loose ends. I picture Irma, his kids & grandkids without him. I picture 3 for lunch, instead of 4. And I feel helpless watching Steve process the reality of Gale’s absence. He retreats to mourn. I process out loud & tears trickle, unbidden. So in this day, I am praising God Almighty that HE SEES IT ALL!! Life goes on & is demanding. He is my Comforter. What burdens are “pressing” on your soul today? What situations tempt you to feel overwhelmed or worn out? Perhaps your heart has been broken by betrayal in relationships…friends, family, or business partners. GOD SEES YOU. Maybe you’re worried about a wayward child, unpaid bills, or where your next meal is coming from. GOD SEES YOU. Perhaps you are a caregiver to someone you love, who has a life-long disability or a terminal illness. GOD SEES YOU. Maybe that promising job didn’t come through & your projected plan bit the dust. Now what?? GOD SEES YOU. Are you lonely, fearful, & concerned about an unknown, uncertain future? GOD SEES YOU. Have your life dreams been thwarted & remain unfulfilled? GOD SEES YOU. Are you struggling with bitterness over an injustice done to you? GOD SEES YOU. Do you feel used, abused, or overlooked? GOD SEES YOU. The list is endless! All of us have unique trials, situations, & stories. But the truth remains… Your strongest supporter is the God who sees. Do you believe Him? iZ Music | Yeshua Sees it All | By Stephen Phinney: Thank you for reading, My Heart Undressed. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
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