Sunday, July 26, 2009

Dear God,

One of my favorite scriptures comes from Jesus: "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free." Truth is not only a revealer; it gives hope. To lean on truth is to set the record straight. Truth calls us to a higher level of living. Truth is a spiritual discipline. We tell the truth because God is watching, knows the truth and holds us accountable. We are truthful because truth secures the heart. Anything less than the truth holds us captive. Inside ourselves we carry discomfort, fearing that someone might know the truth, reveal it, exposing us to the world.

There is something to be said for being honest. The judge will ask us for the truth. We take an oath to share "the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God." To fudge even a little is to lie, to alter the truth, to be dishonest.

Getting caught in a lie is scary. We feel afraid, fearing the world will know we are a liar. Sometimes we need to know the truth of ourselves. We need you to reveal who we are, what we are about. When we lose our way, we can exaggerate our story, massage the truth and even lie. We can live a life of deceit hoping we can keep our story straight so others will never know the truth. But God knows it. When we lie to ourselves, we also lie to God.

What I have learned through this difficult time in my life is that sometimes all I have is the truth. At times I don't think it is enough; yet, when I stand before the Great Judge, I have to account for myself. I can't hem haw around; I must be honest or found guilty of lying. When I am truthful, God allows my heart to feel peace. I know I have my honor. I do not have to be afraid.

Thank you
for truth
that sets
us free.
Thank you
for liberation
that rights wrongs.
Thank you
for truth
that down deep
just feels good.
Thank you
for truth
that makes us
stand tall.
Let truth
always lead
the way,
dear God,
I pray.

Love, Andrea