Big Idea: The Psalms teach us to bring raw, honest emotions before God rather than pretending everything is fine.

In this message, Pastor Eric Robertson shares how to be real with God and others. 

The World's View of Authenticity

• Culture claims to value authenticity but actually promotes curation—selecting and displaying only the best parts.
• Social media reinforces this: we publish the highlights, hide the struggles.
• The danger? We do this with God too—afraid to be real before Him.

The Root of Our Hiding

• Genesis 3:8-10 – Adam and Eve hid from God out of fear and shame.
• We admire authenticity in others but struggle to be authentic ourselves.
• Spiritual imposter syndrome: We feel we're not enough, so we hide our failures from God.
• Key truth: If we want intimacy with God, we must be vulnerable before Him.

The Psalms Show a Better Way

• David was flawed, but never fake.
• Examples of raw honesty in Psalms:
   
  • Psalm 12:1 – Feeling abandoned.
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  • Psalm 13:1-2 – Wrestling with doubt.
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  • Psalm 51 – Confession of failure.
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• Instead of hiding, David brought his mess to God—and God met him there.

God Calls Us to Authenticity

• People judge our mess—God embraces it to heal us.
• Key point: Emotions can be real and irrational at the same time. God is not afraid of the mess.
• Matthew 16:24 – Following Jesus means denying pride, not pretending we have it all together.

The Psalms reveal two powerful truths:

1. God                 you (Psalm 139:1-4).

2. God has            for you (Psalm 103:13-14).

How We Respond

1. Be Real with                 (1 John 1:8-9)
    
   • We deceive ourselves if we claim to be sinless.
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   • Grace is for those who acknowledge their need.
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4. Be Real with           (James 5:16)

• Accountability spreads the weight and helps us rise again.
• Three rules for accountability:
   
  • Choose wisely—don't share everything with everyone.
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  • Seek spiritual maturity—don't ask a child for medical advice.
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  • Own your accountability—it's your responsibility, not theirs.
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Closing Challenge:

• Stop curating your faith—God wants the real you.
• Bring your whole self to God, and let Him transform you.
• The Psalms teach us that authenticity before God leads to true holiness.

Are you being real with God and others?