What have you heard about God? Do you know what is fact and what is someone’s opinion?
How do we know what we don’t know?
Proverbs 30:5 tells us. “Every word of God proves true, He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.” (ESV) If His words prove true, we need to read His words, or the Bible.
In a really challenging time, a well-meaning person hugged me and said, “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” Later, I googled that verse. You know what? I couldn’t find it, because it’s not in the Bible!
What it does say is this: “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” I Corinthians 10:13. We can rest assured there is no new temptation, only a temptation that is new to us. But God promises to provide a way out of any temptation. It’s important to know the difference.
It’s important to read the Bible, know what it says, so we are not misdirected by kind souls who have no clue.
In a quest to know that truth, we can ask God. We are assured in Psalm 145:18 that “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on Him in truth.” When we approach Him in humility, asking for Him to show us truth and read His word, asking for guidance, we can be certain He will guide us. When we don’t understand, we need to check our resources, resources that are reliable and trustworthy. He will lead us to people and resources that will help us in our truth-seeking endeavors.
Psalm 30:5 reassures our hearts and minds that “Every word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.” He will protect us as we boldly pursue His truth. He wants His children to understand, to know, and to love Him.As we learn to trust Him, to rely on Him, and to do life with Him, He will protect us. That doesn’t mean life is easy, but when the storms come, He will shelter us.
As we pursue His truth, we can trust that with any temptation coming our way, He will provide a way out.We can trust He will stay near to us and guard us. We also know that His word will prove true. Our job in all this is to pursue Him with all our hearts, minds and strength. Psalm 86:11 is a prayer we can offer as we are learning to trust Him and know the truth.
Won’t you join me in prayer for just that?
Prayer: Dear Lord, please teach me Your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth, unite my heart to fear your name, In Jesus’ name, Amen.