Psalm 145:17-18 The Lord is righteous in all his ways
    and faithful in all he does.
The Lord is near to all who call on him,
    to all who call on him in truth.

We have no indication at which point in David’s life he wrote this, but it is in a sense a very generic hymn of praise. Even so, that doesn’t make it any less true. Platitudes become that way because they essentially go without saying. However, sometimes we forget truth if we fail to say it. That’s the complicated thing about liturgy. It is rote, unchanging from time to time to time, but it was originally drawn up because it is true. The devil is constantly lying to us, and we need reminders of the truth to stand against that. Of course, the ultimate Truth is Jesus Christ Himself, as He told us in the Upper Room Discourse. (John 14:6) Knowing Him is what sets us free. (John 8:32) That is why it is so dangerous that the devil has promulgated the idea of “my truth” and “your truth.” God’s truth is not subjective! I think it was Karl Barth who, when asked what was the deepest truth he had found in all his study of Theology, replied, “Jesus loves me. This I know for the Bible tells me so.” The most important truths are often the most simply expressed.

I was raised by a father who held Absolute Honesty as one of his core principles, and I benefited greatly. That said, I have learned that there is a distinction between facts and truth. Scientists pursue facts, but they might miss the truth in the process. Interestingly, sometimes fiction can convey deep truth! I am a man of words, and I need to be very careful that my words are not only accurate, but true. I don’t always succeed! The whole question of facts vs. truth applies to every area of life. We have a friend who has lung cancer. That is a fact, and on the basis of the medical facts, the doctors told her she had six months to live – a year and a half ago! The truth is that she is a dedicated child of God, and her life is in His hands. At this point she is needing an increasing level of oxygen supplement, but she has no pain to speak of, and her digestion is working well. I feel sure she is a great blessing to the staff of the hospice ward of the hospital where she is. The stress on her husband is very real, but I’m sure he is grateful for each minute he gets to spend with her. The facts of their circumstances don’t change the truth of God’s love for them and His presence in them.

Father, thank You for this reminder. I need such from time to time! In all the facts of my life, help me stay firmly grounded in the truth of Your love, grace, and power, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!