“The Lord is righteous in all His ways, gracious in all His works. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them.” Psalm 145:17–19

Guarantees are instruments of trust. A guarantee establishes a truth-covenant between two parties. The party extending the guarantee defines a level of performance that may be depended upon and in turn the other party is asked to act in good faith when claiming rights under the guarantee. It is a trusting covenant of relationship which assumes a foundation of verification and truth.

One dinnertime conversation I initiated when our children were young began with the question, “What one thing, that you cannot see, is the most important thing to strengthen our relationship as a family and without it we have nothing?” The answer I was looking for was “truth.” Without it there can be no trust, and without trust there is no relationship.

Should we be surprised that our relationship with people so easily illustrates the foundational principles of relationship with our Maker? Our text is overflowing with relational truth between the Creator and the created.

First, God tells us who He is. The name He chooses to use here is Jehovah, the covenant-keeping, self-sufficient One. His character (verse 17) is fully righteous (one of covenantal engagement) and gracious (merciful in kind goodness). He is the God who cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18). This attribute of truth is in perfect harmony with all the rest of His attributes from holiness and righteousness to omnipotence and mercy. Thus He testifies to His quality and dependability.

Second, God identifies those who can expect satisfaction of His guarantees. They are those who rely upon Him, living by faith. Their relationship with Him is one of truthfulness and reverential awe. This relationship defines their communion with Him as one of calling and crying out to Him. Don’t miss the special emphasis given to truth in verse 18. David says in Psalm 51:6, “Behold, You desire truth in the inward [hidden] parts.” Jesus taught in John 4:24, “They that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” Jesus is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”

Third, God extends His guarantees. He guarantees His relationship as one of nearness with His saints. This drawing close between Creator and created is a rich thought in itself. This guarantee sets Christianity apart from the rest of the world’s religions. We know this nearness is only possible through the mediatorial work of Jesus on the cross of Calvary. Jesus cleared the way for peace with God through His blood payment for our sin. This nearness guarantees fulfillment. The highest desire of those who know dependence upon God in holy awe will be to please their Creator-Redeemer. God promises to answer such prayers, the prayers of those whose salvation depends only upon Him and who thirst to please Him. He is the God who draws near, satisfies, hears, and answers prayer!

What is the “truth” about your relationship with God? Is your relationship with Him based upon truth? Name the areas where you continue to “justify” yourself before God rather than confess and forsake your sin. Thank God for access to His “throne of Grace” and that He is trustworthy in all His guarantees. Trust and obey.