#truth

Psalm 119:153-160

Look on my affliction and deliver me,
for I do not forget your law.

Plead my cause and redeem me;
give me life according to your promise!

Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek your statutes.

Great is your mercy, O Lord;
give me life according to your rules.

Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,
but I do not swerve from your testimonies.

I look at the faithless with disgust,
because they do not keep your commands.

Consider how I love your precepts!
Give me life according to your steadfast love.

The sum of your word is truth,
and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.

#truth

Between the prevalence of fake news stories and insta-perfect photos, it can be hard to know what is true and not true. How do we know if what we see online can be trusted? One of the first steps to decipher its validity is to check the source. Who is saying this? Are they a credible source?

The psalmist writes “the sum of your word is truth” (v. 160). In other words, all that You say, God, can be trusted. How do we know? Because God’s track record is flawless. What He says is always true. What He promises always comes to fruition. He’s good for His word.

We see this most clearly in God’s promise to Adam and Eve in the Garden to send a Savior to redeem the world (Genesis 3:15). God continues to make this same promise to His people throughout the Old Testament. This promise to redeem the world is fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. God remained true to His word even when it meant watching His own Son suffer and die. We can trust God’s words to be true because of Jesus. In fact, the Bible tells us all of God’s promises find their yes in Jesus (2 Cor. 1:20).

Unlike the confusing swirl of news around us, we can trust God’s word to be true because God never lies, covers up, or tries to divert our attention from reality. Instead, He steps into reality, is honest about the weight of our sin and hardships of life, and deals with them on the cross. Christ’s victory over sin, death, and the devil boldly proclaims the truth that all who call on the name of Jesus are saved (Rom. 10:13). In Christ we have salvation.

Searching for what is true in a world of filtered realities? Get familiar with the promises God makes to you. Here’s a few to get you started: God loves you (Rom. 5:8), forgives you (1 John 1:9), and is always with you (Matt. 28:20). When you’re questioning what is real, these are words you can take to the bank.

In fact, that’s what the psalmist does. In pleading his case before God, he says, “Give me life according to your promises” (v. 154). He prays back to God the truth that God has promised to all who call upon Him. We can do this too in our lives, confidently knowing God keeps His word and does indeed give us life.

Discussion question: Make a list of God’s promises to you. Write down as many as you can think of (or look them up if you need help). Which promises of God do you need to remember today?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the truth of Your word. Help me to delight in reading and hearing Your word, knowing it’s my source of life. I join in praying, give me life–the fullness of life–according to Your promises. Thank You for fulfilling Your promises for me in Jesus. Amen.

Challenge/Takeaway activity: Who in your life needs the encouraging reminder that God’s promises for them are true? Share the truth of God’s word with them today.