Monday, April 07, 2008

Truth ...

After reading part of Roxanne's blog last week and also being inspired by Rhonda's posting of simple, yet powerful, scripture, I have been thinking a lot about TRUTH.

From the time we are toddlers we are scolded, "Tell the truth". Yet, there are times when we know that if we tell the truth we will be punished and will have to face the consequences, so we don't. It is easier to deny the truth and escape the consequences.

As adults, we do the same thing, except it isn't about stealing a cookie or taking a toy from a sibling. Usually it has to do with relationships. If we simply deny the truth, we escape the consequences. But, this will only go on for so long before we lose the relationship or we face the truth and make things right. This applies to marriages, friendships, work relationships and even to ourselves.

We immobilize situations by refusing to face the truth. We deny that there are problems that are unsolved. We deny that there are feelings we haven't dealt with. We deny that we have made bad decisions. We deny that we have addictions. We deny that there are relationships that are not whole. We deny that marriage isn't everything we thought it was going to be. We deny the financial crisis we are in. While we live in denial, situations go from bad to worse.

I think of people sitting in counselling sessions time after time after time while the counsellor simply waits for the truth to be told or revealed. Until there is truth, even a professional counsellor's hands are tied.

I like to think of John 8:32 as "... you will know the Truth and the Truth shall set you free ..." (a bit out of context, I know). I really believe that knowing the One who IS Truth is imperative for facing truth in every other situation. I like to think though, that when we come to Jesus (Truth), spend time with Him and get to know Him, then we would see ...

"... that I'm precious, and I would know that I'm prized
I'd know Your love never changes
If I could look through your eyes.
If I saw my value to you
I'd see your love for me remains
Despite the foolish things I do
And I'd see your love for what it is
Unshakable and TRUE
If I saw my value to you." (written by Dan Cutrona, sung by my hubby yesterday morning at DSCF and recorded on his new album "Departures")

Oh, the incredible things that happen to us when we know the one who IS Truth ... we become FREE! Yes, Mona, we can trust Him because He cannot tell anything, but the Truth!

When we know the One who Is Truth, He can speak the truth to us. I remember one very confusing morning a few years ago when God revealed some truth to my husband and I. A ton of feeling came with the revelation and we really didn't even know what to do with it all. We went to our friends, Todd and Tammy who listened and then reminded us that, "The Lord reveals to heal". He speaks the truth to us to heal us!! I can't tell you how many times I have quoted that phrase to other people since that time.

When we know the One who IS Truth, we can begin to speak the truth about everything else in our lives. We are able to speak the truth about hurt and mistreatment and then forgive! We can speak the truth about unhappiness and dissatisfaction and then work towards a solution! We can speak truth about our financial situation, rework our budget and make better financial decisions. We can speak the truth about disappointments and failures and then trust God to help us become better people! It all begins, though, with telling the truth. Yes, there may be consequences ... we may have to admit that we aren't perfect (gasp!). We may have to struggle through some ugly feelings. We may have to step out of our comfort zones. We may even have to work very, very hard. The results, though, are so worth it ... we can be ... FREE!!

TRUTH = FREEDOM


Disclaimer: I am only speaking from my own experiences and want to encourage others towards freedom. In no way have I meant to shame anyone. If this post seems harsh, it wasn't meant to be.

12 comments:

Shari said...

Very well written... and very TRUE!!

Facing the truth about ourselves is sometimes very painful... looking into the mirror seeing our true reflection... but then when I look into my Father's eyes and see the compassion and love - it's not so hard to face the truth knowing how completely adored I am!!

Roxanne said...

The TRUTH has kept me going on my journey. What God says to me and about me is what matters. I hold tightly unto this.

Maureen said...

Amen Sister!
I can truly say The truth has set me Free from my past.
He is
The Way
The Truth
The Life.

Thanks Hon
Beautifully written.
I just love these inspiring Blogs that all of you share.

Vicki said...

Oh Mona ... thanks for reminding of THAT scripture as well!

Shaun and Holly said...

Very good thoughts Vicki. I think that you are a talented writer.

Amy said...

This is great!!
Sometimes it is so hard to face the truth...but we have to..and when we know the one who IS the TRUTH!! WOW!

Rhonda said...

Wonderfully written and full of TRUTH! I agree completely.

Very encouraging words and not harsh at all.

Love ya,

Rhonda

Anonymous said...

Thank you.
Well written.

Tammy said...

So true, when we face Truth, (Jesus) how can we not come honest with ourselves and say, if there be any wicked way in me, reveal it so that I can walk in healing. Amen!!!!!
God is so gracious and merciful to all of us. Thank you Jesus for being truth, life and healing.

Williams Family Blog said...

Thats true. When the truth is revealed thats when healing begins. Kind of like opening the windows of a darkened room and letting the light come in.
Well written Vicki.

Cathy said...

This is so true! It should be posted everywhere. Thank you Vicki!

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

I love the chorus that says, "I'm happy to be in the truth, and I will daily lift my hands, for I will always sing of when your love came down." There was a time when I was not happy to be in the truth; I preferred the lies I told myself and that someone else told me. But no more! First time here, enjoying your posts and am heading off to your sister's--she sounds interesting!