Liar, Liar…
Sometimes the lies of the enemy whisper to us, hiding in places we can not see. And other times they raise their voices, shouting at us, making themselves overwhelmingly known. Interestingly, those shouts often start as whispers that, if not silenced, grow louder over time.
If we’re in tune with our internal voices, aware of the enemy's tactics, and know the truth of God’s Word, we can often identify the wave of lies before they overcome our lives entirely. Once they do, they begin to affect our behavior, attitudes, and forward motion.
It’s not difficult to find yourself stuck in a season where lies are leading the way. But it can be challenging to recognize. And it might feel even more challenging to climb out from under those lies and back onto the truth that is solid ground.
Are You Believing Lies?
I’m not a stranger to the lies of the enemy. I’ve found myself in countless seasons, long and short, where my subconscious choice to believe his lies has pulled me downward. With every downward pull has also come the beautiful, powerful, revelation of God’s grace as He’s reached down and pulled me out. That “returning” has always started first with the recognition that I was, in fact, believing lies. And although each phase brought unique experiences they certainly had similarities.
Isolation
Every one of us was created for community, to live in relationship with others. Genesis 2:18 tells us,”The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” The enemy’s strategy is to isolate us from relationships, creating bitterness and anger. Isolation removes the opportunity for others to speak truth into our lives, love us well, and provide support we need. If you find yourself isolated from those closest to you, you may be stuck believing lies. Take steps to reconnect by sharing honestly, practicing vulnerability, and inviting someone you trust into what you’re feeling.
Shame
A silent killer, shame speaks lies of defeat, deficiency, and disgust into our hearts. It attaches itself to our identities and encourages us to believe that what we’ve done, or what’s been done to us, is who we are. Shame is a liar. It speaks phrases that cause feelings of inadequacy and inferiority. A few of those lies may sound like:
“You’ll never_____________.”
“You can’t_______________.”
“You’re not good enough.”
“You’re too broken.”
“You’re unlovable.”
Lack of Motivation and Discipline
What we believe directly impacts our behaviors. When it comes to motivation and discipline, there are many things that can contribute, but beliefs are certainly one of them. If you’re struggling to stay motivated or disciplined in an area of your life, take a few moments to locate the rooted thoughts that are keeping you stuck. Do any of these struggles sound familiar?
You have a project you’ve been wanting to work on, but no matter how hard you try you can’t seem to prioritize it.
You’ve stopped exercising or going to the gym and can’t muster up the energy to get there.
Your healthy eating habits have declined as you search for foods that are emotional bandaids.
Your rest has turned into complacency or laziness.
You find yourself numbing by scrolling social media or binge watching tv for long periods of time.
Daily tasks around the house are consistently left undone.
These are just a few behaviors I’ve struggled with when I’ve partnered with lies. If you relate to any of these, there is no shame or condemnation. They’re opportunities to identify what beliefs are keeping you there so you can replace them with truth and move forward.
Halted Creativity/Passion
Similar to motivation and discipline, lies can keep us from accessing our passions or creativity. You may find yourself procrastinating creative tasks or feeling unequipped for them. When lies creep in, they can leave us feeling brain blocked, wondering where we lost our passion for the things we once loved. Releasing creative ideas can feel forced and unproductive, sometimes impossible. In my experience, this usually happens most obviously in areas of passion connected to calling or purpose. The last thing the enemy wants is for you to live out the purpose that God has called you to. So he lies to you, knowing that those lies, when accepted as truth, have the ability to hold you back.
Combating Lies With His Truth
John 8:44 describes the enemy as “the father of lies.” He speaks lies as his native language and there is no truth in him. But God is a speaker of truth. As followers of Christ, we have authority over the enemy to speak God’s truth and correct the lies he’s spoken into our lives. Start speaking truth over your life and experience God move.
I am worthy. (Revelation 3:4)
I am unconditionally loved. (Jeremiah 31:3)
I am known and accepted by God. (1 Peter 2:9)
I am enough. (2 Corinthians 3:5)
I have gifts and talents. (Romans 12:6)
I have a God given purpose. (Ephesians 2:10)
I can trust Him in all things. (John 10:10)
I am never abandoned or alone. (Hebrews 13:5)
I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
I am more than a conqueror through Him who loved me. (Romans 8:37)
When I am weak, He is strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
I can cast my cares upon Him and He will make my burden light. (Matthew 11:28)
I am made in the image of God. (Genesis 1:26)
I am adopted and never rejected. (Ephesians 1:5)
I am an overcomer through the blood of the Lamb. (Revelation 12:11)
I am strong, courageous, and not afraid, for the Lord my God is with me. (Deuteronomy 31:6)
I am free from condemnation because I am in Christ. (Romans 8:1)
I am patient and have peace, knowing that God’s timing is perfect. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
I am a light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it. (John 1:5)
It’s time to declare His truth over our lives.
xo,
Krista
