“For Thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and Thy truth unto the clouds.” (Psalm 57:10)
Mercy and truth are so often grouped together in the Word of God. Psalm 85:10 says, “Mercy and truth are met together…” One of the most beautiful pictures in the Bible is that of the uniting of these two parts of God’s nature. He is wonderfully merciful, yet unwaveringly truthful – and these two attributes are never in conflict with one another! Having already thought about God’s mercy, how does His Truth affect our lives?
God is Truth – He will judge sin by His standard, and no one else’s. Romans 2:2 says, “But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.” As often mentioned, we would be in trouble if God did not tell us by what standard we will one day be judged. We could have no way of knowing if we could meet the standard. However, because He has told us what His standard is and how to meet that standard (through the Lord Jesus Christ), we can prepare for that judgment. This does not stop after salvation, though. God has told us what He would have to do to be prepared to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23) We are not left in the dark as to how He wants us to live righteously, forsake sin, and strive for holiness. Do we seek this truth? Do we take the time to consider if we are living by His truth by which we will be judged?
God is Truth – No matter what is happening in our world or in our lives. There is much happening in this world that is the antithesis of our God of Truth. If we focus on those things, we will find ourselves discouraged, confused, or even falling into the sin with the world. However, we have the assurance that Thy [God’s] Word is truth.” (John 17:17) We can always come to the Source of Truth in His Word to strengthen us midst discouragement, clear our confusion, and restore us to righteous living. We also know “His truth endureth to all generations.” (Psalm 100:5) Therefore, it doesn’t matter how much time passes, what society says is okay, or what is commonly accepted; we have the Word of God as our final authority to tell us what is true and what is not true. Do we allow ourselves to be drawn to the lies of the world and the devil, or do we come to the God of Truth to give us stability in a tumultuous time?
God is Truth – We need never fear that He will lie. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life…” (John 14:6) God has not only given us Truth, but He is also the very definition of Truth! Titus 1:2 says, “…God cannot lie…,” and Hebrews 6:18 affirms, “…it was impossible for
God to lie…” The most truthful person we may know is still born speaking lies (Psalm 58:3). We can be guilty at times of attributing the faults of humans to our great God. What an awe-inspiring thought that there is no possibility for God to be anything or speak anything other than complete Truth! We need never worry that He will somehow change His mind on what He has promised, that He will be unable to keep His promises, or that He could even forget something He has promised. We can depend on Him every time because of His character of unfailing Truth. Do we doubt Him? Are we guilty of maligning His character by not trusting Him to be and speak Truth?
Viewing the God of Truth ought to cause us to fear Him – not with trembling, paralyzing fear, but rather a reverential fear, knowing His Truth pierces through all deceit of man. It is a wonderful attribute of our God on which to meditate. It is a surety in the midst of whatever we may be facing in life because we have that firm foundation of Truth that will never change. Then, piecing it together with His mercy – His favor and undeserved kindness – we can rejoice in such harmony of His nature that gives us such gracious gifts: salvation, fellowship, purpose in life, the ability to live righteously, hope of heaven, and so much more. When you have a few quiet moments in your day, think of Him Who is unchanging Truth and unending Mercy!
Comments 2
I am SO glad our God is Truth. I always wonder why, of all things, we often struggle trusting our God of Truth. The devil knows where to slip in the doubts.
Yes, he definitely does, since the original sin in the Garden of Eden! Mankind has not changed at all – I am so thankful God is so merciful, even though we do doubt Him so many times!