Lies! Lies! And More Lies!

Do you ever have those conversations with yourself where you start at one point and then wander so far off that you're miles away from your initial point of interest? I did last week. Problem #1: I was having the conversation with only me, myself, and I instead of with the Holy Spirit. Problem #2: Because of problem #1, I didn't seek counsel from trusted family and friends. Problem #3: Because of problems #1 and #2, I started believing the father of lies (John 8:44), causing me to be anxious and upset.

The devil is a liar, so anytime he speaks, he is lying. We cannot lend our ear to the enemy and listen to what he has to say. Some common lies we fall for: How unattractive we are because we compare ourselves to others. What about the fear of failure, and you don't take any risks? What about a lack of trust in others because of past hurt? God has limited resources and can't bless you if others are blessed? There's breakthrough for others but not for you? How about you will always be sick and will never be healthy again? One I have struggled with is when seasons of life are super tough; I should give up.

If we're not careful, it can be easy to fall deep into the pit of lies, but God, by His example, shows us how to fight and overcome them. Do you remember when Jesus was out in the wilderness, and the devil tried to tempt Jesus after He fasted and prayed for forty days and forty nights (Matthew 4)? Jesus responded to the devil with the Word ("It is written...") and the devil was defeated each time. When you're in the wilderness, always go back to the Bible. I guarantee you there is a truth specific to the lie you may be believing. See what it says about each of the thoughts that try to tempt you. Take the lies (insecurities, shame, fear of failure, lack of trust, hopelessness, etc.) and declare out loud the opposite with the truth of the scriptures. The enemy's purpose is to steal, kill and destroy you. But Jesus came to bring you life and for you to have it abundantly.

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." ~John 10:10 (NIV)

My kids have one of the first generations of the Apple Airpods, but they are envious of my husband because he received the Apple Airpods Pro as a gift for Father's Day. One of the many features they gloat over is the Active Noise Cancellation. It blocks outside noise so that you can immerse yourself in the music. We must use the same technique and block out the enemy's lies to immerse ourselves in the truth that comes from Jesus.