In a world filled with conflicting messages, shifting values, and countless philosophies, the search for truth often feels like chasing the wind. People spend lifetimes seeking clarity, wisdom, and understanding, yet so many overlook the very source of divine truth that has stood the test of time: the Word of God. As the Psalmist declared in Psalm 119, “Thy law is truth. . . . And all Thy commandments are truth. . . . The sum of Thy word is truth” (Ps. 119:142, 151, 160). These verses remind us that scripture is not just a source of wisdom or moral teaching but the very embodiment of truth itself. To know truth is to know God, and to know God is to immerse ourselves in His Word.
The Timelessness of Divine Truth
In Psalm 119, the Psalmist proclaims with unwavering conviction that God’s law is truth. His commandments are true, and the entirety of His Word is true. These statements remind us that truth is not subject to change with the passing of time, nor does it evolve with cultural shifts or societal trends. The truth of God’s Word is timeless and remains as relevant today as it was when it was first written.
John Greenleaf Whittier, in his poem Miriam, captures the futility of humanity’s relentless search for truth apart from scripture. He writes:
We search the world for truth. We cull
The good, the pure, the beautiful,
From graven stone and written scroll,
From all old flower-fields of the soul;
And, weary seekers of the best,
We come back laden from the quest,
To find that all the sages said
Is in the Book our mothers read.
This poignant reflection reveals a profound reality: no matter how far we search or how deep we delve into the writings of sages, philosophers, or scholars, the ultimate source of truth is found in the Bible—the “Book our mothers read.”
God never intended for His truth to be mysterious or unattainable. He didn’t leave us to wander in the dark, endlessly searching for meaning. His Word is a clear, accessible, and divinely inspired repository of truth. Every principle we need for life, morality, and spiritual growth is found within its pages.
Truth Begins with Knowing God
The journey to understanding truth begins with knowing its Author. Scripture points us directly to God, who is the source and foundation of all truth. First John 5:20 says, “We know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding, in order that we might know Him who is true, and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.”
This verse reminds us that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the manifestation of divine truth. Through Him, we gain the understanding needed to know the true God. Truth is not merely a set of doctrines or abstract ideas; it is a person. Jesus Himself declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). To know Jesus is to know truth, and to be in Him is to be in the truth.
Without a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, our search for truth is incomplete. The wisdom of the world, while often insightful, falls short of the full revelation of truth that is found in the gospel. The philosophies and teachings of man may contain fragments of truth, but only the Word of God presents the complete and unchanging truth about who we are, who God is, and how we are to live in relation to Him.
The Sufficiency of Scripture
One of the remarkable aspects of scripture is its sufficiency. God’s Word is not just one source of truth among many; it is the ultimate standard by which all other claims to truth are measured. The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”
This passage emphasizes the comprehensive nature of scripture. It teaches us, corrects us, and trains us in righteousness so that we may be fully equipped for every good work. There is no area of life that God’s Word does not touch. Whether we are seeking wisdom for daily living, moral guidance, or spiritual growth, the Bible is sufficient to meet our every need.
The world offers countless sources of information, advice, and philosophy, yet all of these pale in comparison to the depth and reliability of God’s Word. Human wisdom is fallible and ever-changing, but God’s truth is eternal and unchanging. As Isaiah 40:8 declares, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.”
The Challenge of Obeying Truth
While scripture is the source of divine truth, knowing the truth is not enough. We are called not only to understand God’s Word but to live in obedience to it. James 1:22 warns us, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” True wisdom and understanding come from applying God’s truth to our lives.
Obedience to God’s truth is not always easy. The world around us often promotes values and practices that are contrary to scripture. In a culture that increasingly rejects absolute truth, standing firm on God’s Word can be challenging. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to hold fast to the truth, even when it is unpopular or counter-cultural.
The Psalmist in Psalm 119:105 writes, “Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” God’s Word provides the guidance and direction we need to navigate a world filled with moral confusion and spiritual darkness. When we commit ourselves to living according to God’s truth, we find clarity, peace, and purpose.
The Joy of Knowing God’s Truth
There is great joy and freedom in knowing and obeying God’s truth. Jesus said in John 8:31-32, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” The truth of God’s Word liberates us from the bondage of sin, deception, and confusion. It sets us free to live in the fullness of life that God intended for us.
In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, the truth of scripture is an anchor for our souls. It grounds us in the unchanging character of God and His eternal promises. When we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, we are reminded that His truth is not only a set of principles to be followed but a reflection of His loving and faithful nature.
“Thy law is truth. . . . And all Thy commandments are truth. . . . The sum of Thy word is truth” (Ps. 119:142, 151, 160). These powerful words remind us that scripture is the ultimate source of divine truth. It is through God’s Word that we come to know Him, the Author of truth, and it is through obedience to His commandments that we experience the fullness of life He desires for us.
As we seek truth in a world filled with competing voices, let us turn first and foremost to the Bible, trusting that God’s Word is sufficient to guide us in all things. May we, like the Psalmist, delight in God’s truth and commit ourselves to living according to His commandments, knowing that His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
Terry Littlepage