We often project the character of who caused our wounds, onto the character of God.You may have been taught that we most commonly do this with how we experienced our parents. But it's bigger than that. The love of God is multifaceted. He is the perfect parent, friend, authority figure, etc. Regardless of where our wounds originate, if left unconfessed--and therfore  unhealed, they skew our perception of the nature of God. If you've been hurt in church or by a Christian in a leadership position, it complicates the matter.

Often times we don't realize that we project these experiences onto God, even as we seek Him. When this happens, our Christian walk begins to orbit around an unhealed wound and a skewed concept of the character of God develops. That's why many Christians believe that on some level they must earn God's love or get their lives in order before they can experience His presence.

Until we confess our unbelief in these areas, as we look to Christ, we will not see His blood and the authentic work it did on the cross. We will only see the blood of our own wounds, which has no power; rendering us unhealed, and ineffective in the realm of discipleship to a world who projects its "Christian" wounds onto Christianity--a vicious cycle. I've done this.

I was hurt by a pastor when I was thirteen-years-old. It took me over twenty years to confess that wound to Christ. As Christians, how we treat people matters. Of course we make mistakes, but without confession, without the maturity required to discern the loving conviction of a Father who longs to forgive us, (and those who've sinned against us), we exhibit a dim reflection of the love of God.

We cannot give what we have not fully received. If you're mad at God, tell Him. He's big and He can take it. If you've been betrayed by a loved one, tell Him. If you're afraid that He won't be there for you on an issue you're convinced He has overlooked, tell Him. Tell Him. Tell Him.

Go to Him with a transparent heart. He sees inside your heart. He waits for our confessions. When we confess, we invite His power into that which has rendered us powerless. The truth, the beautiful truth rises in our hearts and we no longer sit in darkness.

Try it, you'll see. "And you shall know the truth and the truth will set you free."