4 LIES THAT MAKE YOU MISERABLE! (AND 4 WAYS TO SAY “STOP”)
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord.” Isaiah 55:8
Have you ever listened to what you tell yourself? Or do you just repeat automatically what comes into your mind without saying, “Stop. That’s NOT true”?
This is a vital skill every Christian needs to learn on the journey toward maturity. Your automatic negative thoughts and accusations can be formed in childhood experiences, or later in life, perhaps from an abusive relationship, or from Satan, the Accuser, himself. Wherever they come from, the apostle Paul says to take action. Here are two first steps you and I must take as given in Romans 12:2.
“Do not be conformed to this world.” (Using the culture’s standards to measure your worth)
“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Be changed by applying God’s truth to yourself)
Check yourself against these 4 common, misery-making lies. Do you recognize them?
1. I MUST BE PERFECT
Seeking to be perfect in how you look, what you accomplish, or even as a super-saint in God’s eyes, is to invite a level of stress that ultimately makes you miserable. NO ONE is, or can be, PERFECT! And God knows it! And He doesn’t expect it! Jesus took all your imperfections, your weaknesses, and your sins on Himself at the Cross. He doesn’t ask you to push yourself to accomplish anything for Him. Instead, He invites you to rest in His total acceptance of you. What you do will never earn more of His love—you already have it! Absorb Romans 5:1-2; 8:1-2; Galatians 3:26, 5:1.
2. THINGS HAVE TO GO MY WAY OR I GET MAD
If you find yourself reacting this way, ask yourself “Why? Why must I have my way?” This was a growth step that God’s Spirit confronted me with when I was a young wife and mother. I longed to grow but also was easily irritated when I didn’t get my way. (Read more of my story in, “I’m Too Human to be Like Jesus”) Let me encourage you to do what I did (and still do when needed), get on your knees and pray Ps. 139:23-24. Listen, and let God guide you to some areas that need spiritual work in your life.
3. LIFE SHOULD BE EASY: IT’S UNFAIR IF IT ISN’T
Yes, life is unfair! Followers of Jesus, as well as everyone else in this world, get unfair treatment. It helps to replace wishful thinking with realistic thinking. This is not heaven! Jesus said very straightforwardly to his disciples (then and today) “In this world you WILL have trouble” John 16:33. Think of Jesus’ experience on earth—was it fair? No. When you find yourself automatically believing the lie that your life should be “easy,” ask God to help you think of all His blessings and celebrate His goodness. You’ll benefit from this change in focus and attitude!
4. GOD HATES SIN—AND ME WHEN I SIN
Although I never thought God hated me when I sinned, I would feel ashamed and want to stay away from His presence. I imagined He was in heaven looking down at me with a pained expressed on his face and shaking his head! (Ever been there?) One day God freed me from this lie that made me miserable. He brought to my mind the story of the Prodigal Father—a picture of God the Father. The prodigal had wasted his inheritance on prostitutes, drinking, and working in a pig-pen. BUT: It didn’t matter how badly he had messed up; his father was longing for his son to come back to him. God’s message to me? “Poppy, don’t run from me in your failure, COME to me.” (Luke 15:11-32) Do you hear God saying the same to you?
Shed the lies that keep you miserable, my friends. God’s grace and mercy is what gives us peace, not our perfection.
There are many more lies that can haunt us and produce misery so feel free to email me with some that trouble you. I also want to invite you to join my new Facebook group.
Here’s the link: Poppy Smith: Helping Women Flourish
Click join and I’ll invite you to be part of this unique group designed to encourage believers in Christ.
A heads up—I’m changing my ministry focus from speaking and writing to God’s new direction. Coaching Christian Women to Grow Spiritually, Emotionally, and Personally. My blogs will also reflect this new direction and I hope you will find them personally helpful. As a long-time passionate teacher of God’s Word, I will always include verses to help you grow.
I’m excited to see my new website, currently under construction, and invite you to contact me at any time to discover how I can help you grow in your walk with Jesus.
Warmly,
Poppy