When Untruths Feel Loud
Sometimes life feels heavy with words that wound: gossip, untruths, fear, anxiety, jealousy, ignorance. These are often the tools people use to hurt others. More often than not, those spreading gossip are struggling themselves. It’s like the saying, “Hurt people hurt people.”
If you’ve ever been on the receiving end, you know how deeply it stings. In our world today, one statement, true or not, can be treated as fact, leaving the truth almost invisible. It’s disheartening, exhausting, and sometimes even frightening. Then you add social media to the mix, and it really is a recipe for disaster.
This week, I found myself in a situation I couldn’t control. I was only able to support my loved ones and trust that the truth would come out. I felt helpless, like people with bad intentions were in control of my circumstances. I hoped and prayed that everything would work out, but going through these long, stressful days, it was hard at times to not feel beat down. And yet, as I reflected on this, I began to see a connection to the days leading up to Palm Sunday.
Before the crowds shouted Hosanna, Jesus faced whispers, doubts, and plotting. He was misunderstood and opposed. People formed opinions about Him based on what they heard rather than what they truly knew. And yet, He didn’t chase down every rumor or try to control every narrative. He remained rooted in His purpose of loving, teaching, and moving forward, even knowing the suffering that awaited Him.
Truth was present, yet it was often ignored. In the days leading up to His entrance into Jerusalem, Jesus was not only performing miracles and teaching, but He was also being questioned, doubted, and plotted against. Those in positions of influence spread fear about Him. Others followed the crowd. Very few stopped to seek the truth for themselves.
That’s what struck me most this week. Even in moments when it feels like chaos and untruths are louder than truth, Jesus reminds us that His way is different. As He said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” His peace is not dependent on circumstances or other people. It is steadfast, and it is available to us. Thank God for that.
As we approach Palm Sunday and Holy Week, we are invited to respond as Jesus did. We may not always control the chaos around us, but we can choose patience, faith, and love. We can continue to walk forward with purpose, trusting that even when the world seems full of untruths and confusion, His truth and His love are stronger and they will always guide us home.