A word and a prayer about truth and wisdom
A WORD:
Don’t ever be afraid of the truth. Not the truth about yourself, your heart, your emotions, or your spiritual strongholds. Not the truth about those you love. Not the truth about God’s commands or will. Please don’t walk away from truth, even when it’s hard. It will literally save you. Again and again.
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18)
If finding out the truth about yourself or something terrifies you, then you have a clear sign that the devil is working against you. Whenever we love, we welcome the truth. We won’t re-shape it, twist it, or wield it. We will protect it and cherish it. Truthful lives point towards God, not toward ourselves or our own abilities.
“A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful.” (Proverbs 14:25)
But what if we can’t tell the difference? What if the lies make more sense than the truth? What if we’ve got them turned around? What is we start relying on our own intelligence and common sense?
The proof is in the pudding. Motives come out through speech and action. What do our “truths” cause us to do and say? There lies the answer.
“Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.” (James 3:10-12)
If we are filled with the Spirit, blessing and truth soak our words and actions. If we are filled with anger and malice, lies lace our words, and we believe them. We will begin searching for “truths” to hurt others and exonerate ourselves. That, my friend, is being duped by the devil. It’s happened to all of us. It’s really a great, evil strategy of his.
Truth is love. And love is truthful.
“Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men and from men whose words are perverse.” (Proverbs 2:11-12)
How do you break out of the cycle of resentment, bitterness, self-defense, and gossip?
Embrace the truth about God’s grace. Face your own lies, and most of all, accept God’s over-arching and everlasting love.
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)
A PRAYER:
Oh, Lord,
Reveal your truth to me.
Prick my heart and whisper your truth into my soul.
I will beat down my pride and my excuses with the power of your Word.
I will not give the devil a foothold in my heart and mind.
I will seek truth from your Word, from my spiritual leaders, and from my own conscience.
I will stop blaming others for the sin I have protected.
I will speak the complete truth, but not anything that would hurt someone else to make me look better.
I will refrain from deception.
I will embrace unity and love.
I will not be afraid.
I will give you glory in all my words and speech.
Forgive me for the many times I haven’t done this,
for my self-pity, pride, and unrighteous indignation.
I lay myself at your throne, exposed and willing.
Speak truth to me.
I promise I will hear it and repeat it.
In Jesus’ name–the One who is Truth–
Amen.
