There is a truth for every lie you believe

“You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32)

If I’m honest, even as a believer in Christ, I feel like the past few months I have forgotten how to be steadfast. Life has weighed me down through affliction and trials. I have forgotten what it is like to take my thoughts captive to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). I had believed lies about my life that were tearing me down and making me discouraged. But about two weeks ago, God opened up my eyes to the lies I was believing, praise Him for his mercy.

I felt as if the Holy Spirit was saying to me, “there is a truth for every lie you believe”, which made me a question and re-evaluate the thoughts I was thinking and believing. Though right now I am in somewhat of a dry season, that doesn’t mean I have to act as if I have no hope. My mind was set on myself, my perspective and my emotions, which obviously never brings peace or hope or joy, leaving me utterly discouraged and filled with bitterness.

The Lord had strengthened me to see His truth and filled me with a sense of peace and encouragement I had been lacking. The truth really does set us free. Here is an example of some lies I have believed and the truth that silences them:

Lie #1: You are not where you are supposed to be in life, you should be married, you should live in a different state, you should be XYZ right now.

Truth: The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing (Psalm 23). I am not lacking anything right now in life, God has me where He wants me. He is my shepherd, the One who is leading me and guiding me through life while I am His sheep. I am right where I am supposed to be, even if I am in the valley of the shadow of death.

Lie #2: You are missing out on life, you’re missing out because you’re not married, because you don’t have kids, because you live in a different state than your family, etc.

Truth: God is not withholding any good thing from me right now, even though I don’t have XYZ (Psalm 84:11).

Lie #3: Your season of sorrow, tears, sadness, longing, etc. is meaningless.

Truth: Weeping may tarry, but joy will come (Psalm 30:5). Those who sow in tears reap a harvest of joy, tears are a prelude to joy (Psalm 126:5). Although God causes grief to His children, he will have compassion in His perfect timing because of His steadfast love (Lamentations 3:31-33). There is a time and season for everything, no one season lasts forever, God makes everything beautiful in His time (Ecclesiastes 3).

Lie #4: God has forgotten to be good to me, no good can come out of XYZ.

Truth: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life (Psalm 23:6). I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living (Psalm 27:13). God is good and everything He does is good even if it doesn’t feel like it at the moment (Psalm 119:68). He is good to those who wait for Him and seek Him, it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord (Lamentations 3: 25-26).

Lie #5: I will not be able to endure XYZ, I’m not strong enough”

Truth: When we pass through trials, God is with us (Isaiah 43:2). We don’t have to fear, He will strengthen us and help us (Isaiah 41:10). His grace is sufficient for our weakness, when we are weak, He is strong (2 Corinthians 12). Our flesh and heart fail us, but He is our strength and portion forever (Psalm 73:26).

Though it is not always to dwell upon the truth when our emotions and fears say otherwise, it is imperative to remain steadfast (preaching to myself). When we trust in God’s word, we have peace, we are sustained through life’s storms. God is faithful and will fulfill His promises. I challenge you, re-evaluate your thoughts and see if they line up with God’s truth. This is a daily thing for me and I fail all the time, praying that God will strengthen you and me to be steadfast and have unwavering faith in Him who never fails to keep His Word and steadfast love for those who are believers in Jesus Christ.