
One of my all time favorite country artist is Patty Loveless. A few months ago I was excited to find one of her CD’s at a Yard Sale for .50 cents. I’ve been listening to it in my car ever since. I found myself drawn to one song in particular. I’d skip over track one and back up from track three to hear it’s words over and over. The Lord began to speak to me through it’s words and it is those thoughts that I’d like to share with you.
I think as Christians often times our “trouble” is that we don’t let the truth have it’s way in our lives. Galatians 5:8 says, “You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth“? The answer to that question will always bring you back to sin. 1John 1:6 tells us, “If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth“. Practicing the truth involves setting our minds on the things that are above instead of the things that are here on earth. Galatians 5:16 gives us clear direction: …“walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh“.
Scripture tells us the SUM of the word is truth. God’s Word is inerrant, it’s timeless and it’s complete. There are warnings throughout that nothing is to be added to it nor taken from it. We can’t pick and choose what feels right or principles to live by based on our current circumstances. Scripture speaks with authority. It speaks definitively. It speaks decisively. It calls for absolute conviction. Time and time again God’s Word gives direction on how we are to walk. In James 4 we are told to submit to God and resist the Devil. In 1 John we are urged to have discernment between the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error and that no lie is of the truth. In 1 Peter we are commanded to turn from evil and do good. Isaiah 55 informs us that God’s thoughts are not our thoughts nor is His way our way. Romans chapter 1 warns us not to exchange the truth about God for a lie.
Do you have trouble living by the truth of God’s Word at all times and in every situation? I think it’s imperative as Christians to remind ourselves that believing something doesn’t make it true. We have the responsibility to align all our thoughts against the “plumb line” of God’s Word. The bible should be our standard for testing everything else that claims to be true.
The entire chapter of Psalm 119 is dedicated to God’s truth and it’s role in the believer’s life. All 176 verses express the Psalmist’s love for God’s truth. Psalm 119:89 “Forever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in heaven“. This is another confirmation of the absolute authority and finality of the Word of God. God’s Word is eternal and unfailing. Opinions may change, but the Word of the Lord is constant. David’s words are my hearts cry and I pray it will be yours as well. “Lord, lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation”. (Psalm 25:5)
Amy Jo