Truth vs. Lies

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32)

In his biography, “Amy Carmichael of Dohnavur”,  Bishop Frank Houghton, quotes an incident from Amy’s life, told in her own words. Amy recalls, “On this day many years ago, I went away alone to a cave in a mountain called Arima. I had feelings of fear about the future…….and he (the devil) painted pictures of loneliness-I can see them still. And I turned to my God in a kind of desperation and said, “Lord, what can I do?”” 

Graciously, God spoke to her and said, “None of them that trust in me shall be desolate.” And God faithfully fulfilled His promise to her.

Another person who found himself assaulted by the taunts of the devil was Asaph, the writer of Psalm 73. Finding his mind overwhelmed with doubts, he writes:

But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.  (Psalms 73:2-3)

But that wasn’t the end of the story. Like Amy Carmichael, Asaph took his dilemma to God.

Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. (Psalms 73:17)

Many Christians will be able to identify with this kind of mind assault. Some are overcome with anxiety, fear or sorrow as assaults intensify. Some are overcome with discouragement. However, it is helpful to remember what Jesus told us about the devil; he is a murderer, a liar, a thief and a robber. (John 8:14 and John 10:1).

Like Amy Carmichael and Asaph, we too will face situations where we feel afraid or desperate, or confused. Let us follow the example of the missionary and the psalmist and quickly seek the face of God because:

...then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.  (John 8:32)

Pauline Anderson