A couple of nights ago, my husband Darian and I had two of our six grandkids with us. As we prepared to head home for the night, I opened the door to our SUV and got our grandson situated while he buckled himself in. Darian was on the other side of the car, helping our granddaughter. From the moment we both closed the back doors to the moment we opened ours, something had transpired in that back seat — something that left our youngest in tears.
Her brother immediately stretched out his hand and said, “See, my hand can’t even reach her.” Of course, he had hit her—and we all knew it. Now it was just a matter of uncovering the truth. Through a series of questions, we found out that he had indeed hit her… because she was talking to him, and he didn’t want her to.
There’s a Scripture in Proverbs that says, “He who tells his story first makes people think he is right, until the other comes to test him” (Proverbs 18:17 NLV). The Bible is so wise. It’s as if the Lord knew we’d be inundated with misinformation. That’s why we must rely on the Holy Spirit. He will lead us into all truth (John 16:13) — but we have to be willing to hear it. After all, Jesus said we would know the truth and that the truth is what would set us free (John 8:32).
I believe we all want to be free. Free from bitterness, doubt, insecurities, sickness, anxiety, anger, poverty, fear… the list goes on and on. The things that try to bind us up are never-ending. To be set free from the things that have bound us, all we need is truth.
The other day, I was talking to a friend who asked me to look into something I didn’t agree with. I love that friend, so I did. I researched, fact-checked, and prayed. I asked the Lord to show me the truth. That’s a prayer many people don’t want to pray — and most aren’t willing to do.
Darian and I were discussing this recently. People often describe themselves as desperate to hear from the Lord. Our suggestion? Go to a quiet place and ask the Lord what He wants to talk about. Don’t approach Him with a pre-decided agenda. Be willing to hear “yes” or “no.”
We’ve found that, more often than not, people aren’t even willing to ask God if they’re wrong. “Am I wrong, Lord?” Those four words are a humble place to be. Humility is the posture closest to the Lord’s heart. Grace is found there. In that posture, the voice of the Lord becomes easier to hear.
Scripture tells us that the Lord opposes the proud. So how can we hear Him when we’re in a heart condition He’s actively opposing? Pride is the mindset that says, “I’m right. I’m always right. Nothing you say can change my mind.” In our family, we often say, “Statistically speaking, there’s no way we’re right 100 percent of the time.” It’s a funny statement we laugh about — but it’s true.
It’s also true that many times what we believe could be a lie. Maybe it was the first thing we heard, so we assumed it was true. Maybe it came from a source we love. My grandson lied about hitting his sister, and I could’ve just believed him because I love him. But instead, I investigated further — and found the truth.
The truth is what we want. The truth is what sets us free. Truth is truth—and just because someone says it isn’t doesn’t make it untrue.
Let’s put our pride aside and genuinely ask the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth. Even in the things we are passionate about. This world is full of lies that keep people bound in hatred, insecurity, anxiety, and rage. We are in this world, but as Christ-followers, we are not of it.
Let’s be willing to be corrected by the Lord. Let’s be willing to admit we don’t have every answer. Let’s humble ourselves and go to the One who does. And when we find the truth — let’s embrace it.
Truth cannot be changed. And when we walk in truth, it brings great joy to our Father in Heaven. He said in 3 John 1:4 (NIV) “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” Could it be that it brings great joy to our Father because it sets us free? Let’s search for Truth today and ultimately find the freedom that comes with it.
In my statistics class we knew the joke that there are little white liars, bald faced liars & then statisticians. But statistically speaking none of us are right 100% of the time is not a lie! What grand comfort that our God is right 100% 24/7/365 from eternity past to eternity future! He is not like us & that is a humbling comforting truth! Thanks for sharing Tyra. I for one will be asking God what He wants to talk about more often starting today! Blessings. (((0)))