previous | next

Day Seven: When Truth Takes on New Meaning

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward. Psalm 19:7-11

Most of us have had the experience of a truth suddenly which takes on new life and meaning. For example, the Word teaches that we should give our lives over to the Lord. Of itself that concept may be a platitude, stored away with other facts in our mind. But in the desperate, searching moments of our life, this truth becomes living. We falter and stumble until we decide to obey that truth; we experience the necessity of giving our lives over to the Lord. Then that truth touches our hearts and lives.

Two points are paramount. First, rock-like truths are important; we need to gather them in daily study of the Lord’s Word. Even though these truths can seem dead and barren, they have to be there if the Lord is going to strike them in times of need. Learning these truths provides the foundation to draw from in our times of need, and then those truths can come alive. How many people cry out for answers, yet continue to thirst because they have never learned the rock-like kind of truth? Jesus said, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:31-32). By seeking and gathering core truths in our life, we prepare the way for the Lord to work the miracle of bringing life-giving, nourishing, sustaining life out of these truths.

Second, we do not need to be content with a mere learned faith. A faith based only on book learning is not part of us. We cannot "learn" our way to God; we have to experience Him. We come to know Him when we reach out for Him in the concerns of our daily lives. Then He strikes the rock in the wilderness. In the New Testament, Jesus said that we are no longer His servants but friends (John 15:15). To be His servant is to obey truth that we have learned. But to be His friend is to live and experience that truth with Him in our day-to-day journey. As we feel Him walking with us, the truths He has given us are transformed and made living. When we thirst, He gives us living water.

Key Point
The Lord has the big picture, our eternal life, as His priority. On an earthly, natural level we may not understand everything that is going on, but we can trust that the Lord has the big picture in mind.

Reflections
What is an idea that you have always known intellectually, and would now like to integrate into your life in a new way? How might you do this?

The same experiences can be interpreted differently by different people. When you change your perspective you often change your outlook. For example what do you see below? A sad old man or a smiling young lady?

Download the Reflection with Illustration in printable form. (PDF)

Discussion Board
Share your thoughts on today's Journey in the discussion board.

previous | next