Discerning Truth in an Age of Deception
“This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them,’ declares the LORD.”
Jeremiah 29:8-9 (NIV)
Social media has contributed to an age of disinformation and misinformation. We are flooded daily with information that may or may not be true. So, what can you believe? How can you be sure of anything anymore? Has truth simply become relative? Is it defined by what someone writes or claims to be true? Now we even have “fact checkers” for the “fact checkers!”
If it’s any consolation, this is not the only age of deception. Even in Jeremiah’s day, when Israel was in captivity to Babylon after the fall of Jerusalem, false prophets claiming to speak the truth were sending mixed messages to the people. One group of false prophets offered a doomsday message with no hope. Another group offered false hope that Israel’s captivity in Babylon would be brief and that they would soon find deliverance. Jeremiah was a prophet of God, and his counsel gave them true hope. He spoke on behalf of the Lord Almighty. In a letter to those exiled, he warned them in Jeremiah 29:8-9 (NIV), “This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. They are prophesying lies to you in My name. I have not sent them,’ declares the LORD.”
When you are worried about the future and don’t know what to do or who to believe, trust God’s Word over man’s opinion. God alone knows the future, and it is a hope-filled future because God is already there! You can listen to the world and be filled with panic and fear, or you can listen to God’s Word and find peace and confidence. One of the most unique and colorful prophets of the Old Testament was a man named Amos. In Amos 3:7 (NIV) he said, “Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.” Just as Jeremiah recorded his prophecy in a letter to those who were in captivity, God has recorded His Word for us today! His word will guide us into the future with truth, hope, and confidence as we follow Him. Seek His counsel in His Word. That’s what the Psalmist did. In Psalm 119:105 (NIV), he wrote, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
How does God’s Word enable us to discern truth in an age of deception? I believe the answer is found in Psalm 19:7-11 (NASB). Take a moment to meditate on this passage and discover the benefits of God’s Word in your life. It says, “The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward.”
Another important part of your daily devotional is spending time with God in prayer. The Woodlands Church Prayer Board lists prayer requests submitted by our members and provides a way to send them some encouragement by using a button on the page to let them know that you prayed for them. Whether you use the Prayer Board, or pray from your heart, the goal is to build the habit of incorporating prayer into your quiet time.
Need prayer yourself? Let us know by submitting a prayer request on the Woodlands Church Prayer Board.