How to Know What Is True
It’s here! My latest book, Seeking Truth: 365 Days in the Wisdom and Poetic Books of the Bible, just released this past Sunday. I thought I would share the introduction with you, my faithful readers.
“What is truth?”
These were words spoken by Pilate in response to a profound statement from Jesus:
“Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
John 18:37b, NIV 84
Do you ever find yourself wondering exactly what the truth is in a situation? Have you read posts on social media from two different sides of an issue and struggled to know which one is actually right?
In an age in which information is so readily available yet so easily adjustable, we have to be discerning to know what is right and true. Jesus made it clear that He is truth.
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”
John 14:6
And He is the Word made flesh.
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John 1:14
Therefore, in His Word, we can find truth—not just words that declare truth, but words that, when read prayerfully under the leadership of the Spirit of truth, will guide us into truth.
“‘When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.'”
John 15:26
“‘But when he, the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.'”
John 16:13
And I don’t know about you, but I need truth in my life. I need to know the truth about my relationships, my purpose and calling, my worship, and my sin.
Women on the Side of Truth
When I first started spending quality time with God, I began reading a psalm every day. I love the Psalms because through them we can express all of our emotions—whether positive or negative—and then turn our hearts to worship God. By expressing our feelings truthfully in worship, we are less likely to express them negatively throughout our day.
Then I began to read a chapter of Proverbs daily, and in them I found wisdom for making daily decisions. The truths contained in the book of Proverbs gave me a godly way of thinking that was both practical and applicable.
As I ventured into Ecclesiastes, I was confused at first. The writer seemed to be so negative and fatalistic. But I realized he was really being honest. In these words, I began to see God reveal our purpose for living which stood in stark contrast to the world’s view—a truth that I could appreciate.
As a lover of poetry and language, Song of Songs quickly drew me in to the beauty of romantic love, the truth about dating and marriage, and an image of the love of God for His people.
And then there is Job. No matter how much I appreciated the ancient verse, I couldn’t wrap my head around God’s drawing Job into this challenge with Satan. It just didn’t seem fair or consistent with God’s character. But as my son pointed out, I could hardly write a devotional on the wisdom and poetry books of the Bible and leave Job out.
So, I have done an in-depth study of the Book of Job, and guess what? I have a new favorite book of the Bible. Nowhere else do we find such raw honesty and startling truth. I saved Job for the end because the principles found there seemed to wrap up the heart of this book.
Seeking Truth: 365 Days in the Wisdom and Poetic Books of the Bible
I pray that starting your day in the truth to be gleaned in these poetic books will create in you a desire for more of God and His Word. Let His truth establish in you a firm foundation of worship, wisdom, purpose, passion, and a godly response to pain.
As women of God, let’s be on the side of truth.
“Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell” (Psalm 43:3).
Click here to order your copy of Seeking Truth!
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