How Can We Really Find the Truth? ⋆ Effie Darlene Barba

Two people can witness the same incident. Yet, our memories see it and record it differently. So, how do we really find the truth? For me, growing up in a world with Mom’s undiagnosed bipolar disorder, snippets of memories came to plague me at times. Recording of mom and dad’s fights burned deep within. Additionally, words that injured my own pride over the years blasted within my heart and mind. More than anything, I wanted Mom and Dad to see that my heart was good. I wanted to be loved. Yet, my mind recorded each harsh word, while forgetting each sacrificial act of love. I could not see the truth of their love; although, now I can. What changed? How is it I can see the truth now, when I could not see it then?

Our human hearts are born with a desire to be exalted. We want others to see our goodness, deserving of love and respect. Obedience comes, at that point, from a desire to be exalted. Yet, that kind of obedience, always leads to frustration both within our family relationships and with our relationship to God. Instead, true obedience can only come from a heart of love, respect, and a desire to honor another above one’s self. Truth opens our eyes to see the world through God’s eyes, rather than our own. Until I could see the truth of my own self-exalting heart, I harbored anger in my heart. Though I would tell you I was the one who sacrificially forgave and loved Mom, the truth was far from that. God so graciously, patiently, and lovingly has step by step transformed my heart to see truth.

The Truth Shall Set You Free

Jesus said, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32). Certainly, He is speaking of the truth of the gospel which sets us free from the chains of sin. We must come to the truth that we are sinners deserving of God’s wrath. There is nothing within our self-exalting heart that can commend us to Him. “All have sinned and come short of the Glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Only by His Grace are we saved. “For by Grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

The anger, pain, and hurt I felt toward Mom came because deep within I thought I deserved something more. It blinded me from seeing the truth of her love and sacrifice, along the way. How often do we do the same toward God? Even, though, we try to say that is not the case; however, the truth glares with that fact. Much like Elijah in I Kings 19, we sit and pout that I only have served You, Lord. I have fought for You. We expect some reward for having followed Him; but, the truth is our heart is so bent on our own self righteousness that we forget that it was grace alone that saved us.

Think about all the times you have become angry against another. Dig deep within and ask yourself the hard question of why? Did you not take some word out of context? Or felt yourself more deserving than they? To lay aside and be freed from anger, we must first see the truth of our own self-centered heart.

Concluding thoughts:

It was God’s grace that patiently, step by step transformed my heart to see the truth. Only His truth could transform me and free me from anger. He has a lot of work still to perform. Over the course of this week, I will tell some of the story of how He changed my heart to see His truth. Miraculously, He transformed the memories, removed all the anger and filled my heart with His love. Only, then did I realize Mom has been my greatest cheerleader and prayer warrior throughout all these years. I must be reminded of that, whenever, I react to others words. When anger begins to rise against anyone, I must fall to my knees and ask God to show me His truth.

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A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.

WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”

Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.

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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.