At the start of this year, and admittingly even the last, I find myself longing for simplicity. Longing to get back to the foundation of my faith, the basics. Especially now, that everything seems to be turned upside down, prophets and prophetesses speaking one way and another.

How can we know what is true?

The sum of your word is truth,
    and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.

Psalm 119:160

God’s Word, in its entirety, is our source of truth. His Word is what has stood, still stands and will stand until Christ returns — and we have it, preserved through the ages, accessible to us, in our language, at our finger tips.

Though there are a plethora of resources out there that can help us grow and encourage us in our faith – devotionals, books, videos, courses, blogs – to name a few, there is no substitute for getting alone with God’s Word. Getting alone to encounter and be taught the truths of Scripture by The Author Himself.

But you have received the Holy Spirit, and He lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true.

For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true – it is not a lie.

1 John 2:27

But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.  

You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.  

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

2 Timothy 3: 14-17

God has graciously given us everything we need to discern what is true and to live lives holy and pleasing to Him. (2 Peter 1:3)

It is no doubt a blessing to be able to quickly search our questions, search for related devotionals or Bible studies and instantly read the works of renowned teachers and Bible scholars. But, as John, Paul, and other New Testament writers warn, without reading the Word for ourselves, we can be led astray by false teachings, led away from the whole and thorough counsel of God.

May we as children of God, turn to Him and His Word above and before all else. May we sit at His feet, like Mary, choosing what is most important — for that will not be taken away from us. God’s Word does not return to Him void, but accomplishes everything that He has sent it forth to do. His Word produces in us good and lasting fruit, and keeps us until the day of His return. (Luke 10:38-42; Isaiah 55:10-11; Psalm 1; John 15:4-5)

And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 

Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.  

Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders.   Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Deuteronomy 6:6-9

Let’s not neglect or complicate the basics, the foundation of our faith — God’s Word.

Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;
    and I will keep it to the end.
 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
    and observe it with my whole heart.
 Lead me in the path of your commandments,
    for I delight in it.
 Incline my heart to your testimonies,
    and not to selfish gain!
 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
    and give me life in your ways.
 Confirm to your servant your promise,
    that you may be feared.
 Turn away the reproach that I dread,
    for your rules are good.
 Behold, I long for your precepts;
    in your righteousness give me life!
Psalm 119:33-40