To Tell the Truth

August 14, 2018

Sincerity and truth are what you require; fill my mind with your wisdom. Psalm 51:6

Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 NIV

To break the grip of a problem, you must tell the truth about it. That’s the first action of a good plan to get well and break free. The power of your problem most likely comes from its mystery and darkness. You have to choose to drag your problem out into the light where you and God can face it head on. You must completely expose it.

One of the best ways to face and admit the truth that imprisons you is to write it out. Ask God to help you face and own the truth about when your problem started, the unresolved pain that fuels it, the way it has disrupted your life and relationships, the lies that sustain it, the payoffs it provides, and what it has cost you. Sound daunting? It is, but it is so worth it. Spelling out the facts and telling the truth is a principle and command throughout all Scripture. Ephesians 4:14-25 and Colossians 3:8-11 teach us that facing the truth is a critical part of renewing our minds and becoming like Christ.

As you face the truth, you walk out of darkness into light and you get the forum to confess your sins. The Bible instructs us to make a direct confession (Matthew 5:23-23; James 5:16). David’s confession of his sin with Bathsheba was told in excruciating detail (Psalm 51). Facing the truth and admitting where you are will lead to godly sorrow. That means being broken and humbled; understanding the damaging effects of behavior on others and God. 2 Corinthians 7:9-11 shows the progression: Godly sorrow leads to repentance, which leads to changed behavior.

Facing the truth sweeps away denial, rationalization, and ignorance. You force yourself to see everything. Facing and admitting the truth leads to a crisis, and nothing ever changes without a crisis.

  • Find a time to write out the truth about where you are and the issue you are facing. Ask God to help you remember and admit all the truth.
  • How much do you hate your problem? How much do you want to get better? Are you in godly sorrow about the truth of your contributions to your bondage?
  • Tell God the truth.