"He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit."
~ Proverbs 12:17
"The greatest sources of our suffering are the lies we tell ourselves."
~ Elvin Semrad
The truth is generally pretty black and white.
There are interpretations of truth that vary wildly, but the truth itself beyond the noise is pretty black and white.
Far too often, though, our internal realm is littered with lies.
I suspect this is part of the reason Jesus told us to "take every thought captive".
After all, how can we "make (every thought) obedient to Christ" if there's nonsense rattling around in there?
So, what are the lies we tell ourselves?
The first to come to mind is a question of worthiness.
We all fall short.
I know that's a shock! (I jest.)
The reality is, none of us are particularly "worthy"; which is precisely why we are all worthy, of love, of peace, of grace, of mercy. How many people do you suppose are walking around this world thinking they're not? Only God truly knows, but I suspect the actual percentage would be shocking.
In a culture of constant comparison, how many people are telling themselves lies about who they need to be, what they need to own, or what they need to look like to gain some measure of approval from the world?
How many times have you caught yourself thinking you simply cannot live without, X?
Unless it's food, water, air, shelter, basic provision, that kind of thing, it's probably not so.
How about, "I know I should give up _______, but I just cannot change"?
Mhm... I don't buy it. Don't get me wrong, I've been right there with you. There's probably even something in there I'm telling that particular internal tall tale regarding right this very moment. Doesn't make it true.
Not all internal storytelling sabotages our day-to-day. Sometimes we leverage falsehoods to positively manipulate ourselves to get something done, to move toward a goal, to create peace where there might be internal turmoil.
Not all internal storytelling is bad, per se, as long as we know what we're doing and we choose it on purpose for a purpose.
It's the nefarious little suckers that are keeping you small and/or stopped that I'm after today.
Where might you be able to give yourself some grace and space?
Where might you be able to uproot the lies you or the world or the enemy have been plaguing you with?
What are those murmurs that simply aren't serving you?
This is 100% an exercise in prayer and allowing the Holy Spirit to whisper, then surrendering it to God.
We can and must co-labor with Him.
When we notice the nonsense, it's our job to catch it quickly, turn our hearts toward God, and replace whatever it is with the truth... YOU ARE A CHILD OF THE MOST HIGH GOD!!! WITH HIM, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! YOU WERE FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE!!
Whatever truth will counter the lies, seek it out. Ask for the Creator's help to uproot that which is not serving you or Him, and willfully ask Him to plant in its stead the fruit of the Holy Spirit and the Truth of His Word.
We live in a world where we must keep our guard up, keep watch over our minds and hearts, especially from whatever might have snuck in there when we didn't notice or weren't paying attention.
You were equipped for the job(s) you are here to do by the Creator of the heavens and the earth. You were lovingly crafted on purpose for a purpose, and you deserve to live in truth and light, free of the lies.
To do so, you must partner with Him.
I believe in you! I know you can do it!!
Simply begin. Day after day, remain aware. And when anything arises, go through the process...
Thank You, God, for uprooting in Your child anything that does not serve them, anything that does not serve Your purposes in their life.
Thank You, for planting in its place the fruit of Your Spirit and the Truth of Your Word.
Thank You, for blessing this beautiful child of Yours with Your peace, light, and love; that they would be able to dance through this world in the space of Your grace and mercy, shining for all to see.
Thank You, for giving them the gift of TRUE freedom.
All of these things I pray in the name of Your sweet Son, Yeshua.
Amen.
"We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." ~ 2 Corinthians 10:5
"These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one another, render true and sound judgments in your gates, do not plot evil in your hearts against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely, for I hate all these things,” declares the LORD." ~ Zechariah 8:16-17
"O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy mountain? He who walks with integrity and practices righteousness, who speaks the truth from his heart, who has no slander on his tongue, who does no harm to his neighbor, who casts no scorn on his friend," ~ Psalm 15:1-3
May the Good Lord bless you and keep you, friends... always, in all ways. Amen.
Bonus song of praise... ♥
Sharables! ...and, hey, thanks for sharing. ♥
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