Anchored... In Truth

DEVOTIONAL

Raising kids is a lot of fun and it’s an ever-changing adventure.  My boys teach me lessons about myself and about life seemingly on a daily basis.  One of the most important things I can do is teach them the importance of the truth.  In the natural, we are born with a sin nature. Kids need to learn that truth and telling the truth is important, no matter what the scenario.  Where it becomes difficult is when the world around them says that truth is relative.  We are all told that truth for you may not be truth for me, and it seems as if truth has strayed far away from the English definition:

TRUTH: A VERIFIED OR INDISPUTABLE FACT.

There is nothing relative about truth; the truth is the truth no matter what outside circumstances may dictate.  As believers, we see the importance of truth all throughout Scripture. In John chapter 14, Jesus even calls Himself the 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 (NIV)

Truth is something that is unchanging.  It is something that Anchors us to our faith.  The value of truth in our lives can’t be overstated.  

“Buy the truth and do not sell it— wisdom, instruction and insight as well.” — Proverbs 23:23 (NIV)

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your emotions are clouding your judgment, or maybe in a situation where worry has overtaken your thoughts?  When we are in the middle of a tough spot, it is difficult to think clearly and handle the situation the way God would have us handle it.  This is where truth comes in.  Truth is the constant in our lives.  Truth is not about emotions or feelings--it is about being anchored to what God’s Word says.  When we return to the truth in God’s Word, it causes our judgment to be clear and it sets us free from anything that may have been clouding our thoughts about a situation.

“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” — John 8:31-32 (NIV)

CALL TO ACTION

One of the ways I try to return myself to the truth when I feel like my emotions are clouding my judgment, is by simply asking myself a couple of questions: What is the truth about this situation? (Not “How do I feel?” but “What is the truth?”).  The second question I ask is: Does God have all of this under control?  I have found that when I am honest with myself, when I tell myself the truth about a situation, and I realize that God has me in His hand, then I am much more at peace in any situation.