Daily Journal: 13 April

The Truth Will Set You Free

What truth am I standing on today?

A truth that I’ve constructed? A truth that needs to change with my experiences for it to remain relevant to me? Or a truth that is stable and absolute, that can always be depended on? A truth that, no matter what happens in life, I go back to and let it shape my experience and my approach?

Which sounds the wisest?

Human beings are made to have rational thought, but we are not all of the time rational beings. We are created with emotions that vary wildly from one experience to the next. Our experiences, the people around us, the dialogue inside our heads, the good or bad words spoken over us, and the constructs of belief systems that we’re exposed to in school, at home, in church, in society, all combine to shape us into the people we become.

At some point, we must all decide to choose for ourselves what truth we will follow. Human beings need constructs to build their lives on. Life constructs are like anchors that hold us steady. They are like maps that help direct us. So, it’s important to base our lives on truth that is unchanging.

John 14:6-7 (NIV)

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well.

John 14:11 (NIV)

Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. 

When I experience harsh words, uncertainty, fear, threat of violence, mimicry or deceit, disappointment, hopelessness, loneliness, criticism or judgment – any of life’s realities – it’s important I know how to stabilise myself. It’s important I know how to comfort myself. Where do I go to anchor myself so that I am not swept up in my emotional responses? My responses can change the direction of my life so I need a teacher who is trustworthy and constantly true.

The one teacher I can always trust is Jesus Christ. Known as a great teacher throughout history, but not always accepted as Saviour, I acknowledge Him as both. It’s important that He is both. There are many good teachers, but who has the answer to life itself?

John 8:25-27 (NIV)

“Who are you?” they asked. “Just what I have been telling you from the beginning,” Jesus replied.  “I have much to say in judgment of you. But he who sent me is trustworthy, and what I have heard from him I tell the world.” They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father. 

John 8:31-32 (NIV)

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.”

I pray that we will be anchored and held by the truth and wisdom that comes from God alone.