Accurate Readings: Truth Revealed

6:00 a.m. (Yes. a.m.) I’m fumbling with the pool equipment. It’s swim lesson time, and I’m firing up the heater. Little kids don’t do well in cold water, so I warm it up—even in July.

Funny how the weather affects the perception of the water temperature. If the day is Texas triple-digit hot, the water feels cool. (Even at ninety degrees.) And if the sky is overcast, the water feels warm—even if it’s actually a few degrees cooler.

What we feel when we stick our toe in the water doesn’t necessarily reflect the truth.

Neither do my emotions.

Or my stress level.

Or my hormones.

When the swimming pool of my life feels cold, what gives me an accurate reading?

Go to the Source:

John 16:13 (NIV) says, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.” Where am I going for truth? Only the Holy Spirit will do.

Cover Up:

While disappearing swimsuits make for funny home videos, spiritually speaking, it’s not so funny. Honesty is not only the best policy—it’s the only policy. Am I cultivating honesty in all things? Ephesians 6:14 says, “Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth.” Without it, my vitals are unprotected. And when the enemy strikes, he goes for the kill.

Borrow God’s Goggles:

First Samuel 16:7 says, “For the LORD sees not as man sees.” Thank goodness. He sees what I can’t and promises to show me.

So, don’t be shy about asking.

Because truth is revealed.

Habakkuk 3:17-19 is one of my favorite passages. The prophet looks around and sees only devastation. But it’s not the end. He goes to the high places with God and looks from God’s point of view. And God’s point of view is important when:

You need guidance with a child.

You’re angry with your spouse.

Work beats you down.

Money is tight.

The pressure is unrelenting.

Fill in the blank.

Truth is revealed.

Ask the Spirit of Truth to show you what’s real.

Questions:

What seems like truth to you?

How’s that working?

Family Application:

Discuss how our perception of a situation is affected by:

Feelings, Fatigue, Stress, Hunger

Talk through how to handle those influences and how to stay centered on God’s truth.

Tweetables:

What we feel when we stick our toe in the water doesn’t necessarily reflect the truth. Click To Tweet
When the swimming pool of my life feels cold, what gives me an accurate reading? Click To Tweet
First Samuel 16:7 says, “For the LORD sees not as man sees.” Thank goodness. Click To Tweet

1 Comment

  1. Jo on July 13, 2015 at 10:24 pm

    so true. we have to constantly remind the kids all day long how easily our perceptions can change with a toothache or texas summer heat etc! XOXO

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