What is True versus TRUTH

Is everything in the Bible truth? Most answer with a resounding YES, the Bible is infallible. So, we know it is TRUE but is it always TRUTH? I would like to ask you to explore beliefs from scripture that we quote, worship to and believe. Interpretations we have heard in sermons, the culture of our upbringing and even clichés and quotes created to answer questions surrounding events that we do not understand. I believe this journey will challenge our intimacy, identity and understanding of the character of the Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit. I do not claim to have all the answers, but I am unpacking some amazing "truths "with the Holy Spirit that shatter the deceptive picture the enemy would have us believe.
Let me explain by example with words from the book of Job that are commonly paraphrased in songs and prophetic words: “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away”. Please understand, I am in no way speaking negatively of any song or prophetic word written nor am I looking to challenge the truth of the Bible, I only wish to remove any deceptive thinking from our perception of Who God is. That being said, many years ago I was singing in the car one morning, “He gives and takes away” and the Father whispered softly “do you really believe that about me?” Tears welled up in my eyes instantly and began to stream down my face as I felt the Father’s heart. It was the kindness in His voice that brought an instant conviction and the resounding question; Does God really take away?
The journey began to search out God’s truth, not just what I had heard. I pondered the end of Job when his eyes were opened to the truth of Who God was and I longed to know that same truth. Let’s unpack Job’s story. I would suggest reading the book of Job, but for purposes here, I will include a few scriptures beginning with Job 1:1 “There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil.” Also, verse 5 where Job made burnt offerings for his children "in case they had sinned and cursed God". Two target areas: Job’s identity and a fear for his children. Then in Job 1:9 it says “Then Satan answered the Lord, “Does Job fear God for nothing?”
Suddenly, the unthinkable happens and Job finds himself in the most tragic place one can imagine. He most likely needed to find a way to justify all that had occurred and be able to have answers for himself and those around him. Let’s look at Job 1:21 and the words that began this journey; He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” This is Job’s words recorded, which is true, but are they TRUTH?
How many times have we needed to justify the loss of a loved one, a job or a home? By chapter 23, Job began to judge God in his pain and lack of answers. He even wanted God to justify himself and why God had taken everything away. Time passed and finally God speaks to Job in chapters 38-41 with some of the most breathtaking descriptions of Who He is. This section holds so many facets of the true nature of God and His ways. God’s response to Job reveals the truth. The same truth that I was searching out through my study.
Then we come to the end of the story. Let’s look at Job 42:4 (Job speaking) “Hear, now, and I will speak and I will ask You and You instruct me. I have heard of you by the hearing of the ear; But now my eye sees You; Therefore I retract, And I repent in dust and ashes.” So what is the truth? GOD GIVES! It was the enemy who had stolen. Let's look at Job 42:10 “The Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his friends, and the Lord increased all that Job had twofold”. GOD RESTORES! He doesn’t give to us and then come back later to take it away! If something has been stolen from us, we can rest assured that it was the enemy and not God.
If we believe that God takes from us then we will never be able to receive Him in fullness as our Provider. May we seek the truth in every situation and not be bound by any twisting of words the enemy may try to use to bring fear and cause us not to trust our Heavenly Father. He is always good!
Our heavenly Father is the giver of life, every good gift and all things pertaining to life.
Let us not forget that He loves us so much that He gave His only Son.
More references: Isaiah 54:15, James 1:17, 2 Peter 1:3

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