January 9

So He said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:31-32 BSB

The truth is not immediately known in all its sweetness, freedom, and power. We must “continue in the word,” even if at times it’s through great darkness, distress, struggles, temptation, and trouble. Yet, such has been the power of the word on our hearts that it will not let us go. We see and feel the misery of turning away from the truth, the wretchedness of falling back into the world and becoming entangled in its spirit, and we understand the consequences if we abandon the things we know and believe, embracing error or falling into sin.

Therefore, we continue in the word, even though, as I mentioned, it may be in much darkness, struggle, trials, and temptations. But we are brought to this point: we will never give up the word that has become life and spirit to our souls. And although the Lord may sometimes hide His face from us, and we may feel like poor, dull students who bear much condemnation for our lack of fruitfulness, knowledge of the Master’s spirit, and failure to walk in His ways, there remains a longing for Him, a clinging to Him, a cleaving to Him—and this is the mark of true discipleship.

As we continue to cling, hope, and trust, we begin to know the truth. It opens up to us, becoming perfectly suited to our situation. We see more and more clearly how wonderfully it speaks to and meets our various pressing needs and circumstances.