Truth?

     Who do I trust?  I am fully aware of the fact that in this world, you cannot trust anyone or at least, very few people can be trusted to speak and act in truth.  But, can even the most trustworthy be fully trusted?  Or if we are being completely honest, is there really anyone we can confide in, share secrets with, and bare our souls to that will respond in truth?  Do I have that kind of relationship with anyone – other than myself and God, of course?  My spouse, maybe? No, even then, sometimes our words and actions don't truly convey complete truth.  We are often led by emotions rather than truth.  As great of a relationship as we may have with our spouse, we are only human.  Living in truth doesn't always happen.  So, where does that leave me?  With no one I can trust completely with my life – my plans, my choices, my everything – except God and myself?  Yes, I have those few...those certain people in my life that I can talk to and trust that they will keep secrets and help me handle my feelings.  Those people can offer advice to help, but can I fully trust that they are always speaking truth or do they unknowingly lead with emotion or an effort to try to dull the pain of my situation?  So, it's me and God.  But, is it?? Can I honestly trust me?  Do I know that in everything, I speak the truth?  Or am I, also, often led by emotions?  Do I always act based on the truth, or do I somehow make myself believe something else because it feels good, seems better, or sounds right?  So, where does that leave me?  I can't even trust myself?? 

     There's only one truth.  John 14:6 says, "Jesus told them, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life'."  John 17:17 says, "teach them your word, which is truth."  The only Truth is Jesus.  His Word is the only fully trustworthy guide for our lives.  So, as wonderful as close friends are and as helpful as their advice can be, we should always seek God and His Word for truth.  And, as right as our own mind sounds, we must remember Satan is warring against God for us.  And, he will use whatever or whomever he can to lead us from the Truth.  The target of this battle is our hearts.  Which is why the Bible says we have to guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23).  If we aren't careful, Satan will find a way into our hearts before we have even put our guard up.  He will use our own selves, which obviously sounds right and seems like what's best for us, to let our guard down and let something other than Truth  direct our path.  We begin to believe the "only I know what's best for me" lie.  We cannot fully trust ourselves to act in truth.  We are human.

     Am I suggesting that it's pointless to seek the advice of others?  That it's ridiculous to talk to your best friend, spouse, or parent about your situations? Absolutely not.  However, I am suggesting that we always seek Truth.  If the council you get does not line up with the Word of God and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, don't let it get into your heart.  Be cautious.  Even with your own self.  Guard your heart.  Remember, there is only one Truth – seek Him.

Hide-n-Seek

     She sits excitedly...waiting, slowly counting as he runs out of sight.  1, 2, 3, 4... Her eyes pop open quickly, hoping for a glance of the direction he may have went.  No luck.  She can't see him.
9, 10! Ready or not...
        Only he is always ready.  He loves this game as much as she does.  He works hard to find the perfect hiding spot.  One that is not extremely difficult to find, but that will still require some searching. 

        He hears her little feet pitter-pattering down the hall.  Her small voice yells, "Where are you?" A part of him wants to answer back, wants to give away his location, but then he remembers her face when she, in fact, finds him on her own.  The smile on her face, the giggles, the long embrace...so he decides to wait a bit longer.  After all, he wants her to be able to find him.
        So, he waits.  Finally, he hears her getting closer.  His breathing slows, he stays completely still.  Waiting.  He finds great pleasure in this game.  Such joy watching his daughter find his newest hiding spots.  Then... "One more time, Daddy!" she says.  He smiles.  And again, he hides, waiting to be discovered again.
 
        In Ephesians 1:17-18, we learn that we were called by Jesus to experience Him.  He wants to be discovered much like in a simple game of hide-n-seek.  When we play hide-n-seek with our kids, we don't hide never to be found and we also don't immediately tell them where we are.  We could.  But we allow them to search for us because we know the joy that comes when they discover our hiding place.  It's not for our benefit, it's for the joy and what it does for them, the Searcher.  Jesus wants us to experience that joy.  And He loves us enough to allow us to search..... And the joy that comes when we discover Him, when we experience Him!  We were called to experience Him.
     Continue to look for Jesus.  Search for him.  And find joy when you discover Him, His presence, His love....deepening your intimacy with Him.