In my first post of this summer series on Truth in Transition, I asked the question “Do you know who you are?” I initially had so many answers for myself- I’m a wife, mom, grandma, daughter, friend, interim youth director, a writer. But ultimately, I’m a child of God. That truth makes all those other titles fall into place. That simple truth reminds me that he can help me with all those other things.
Today, as I write this, I need that truth as much as ever. I’m in a season of transitions in many areas of my life. On a very regular basis, I’m transitioning from time away with family, where I’m in the role of mom and grandma, to being home, where I’m mostly in all those other roles. Some of those roles are in transition too. The transitions, while not necessarily bad, can be hard. For example, while there are good things to look forward to here at home, I miss the family I was with, and in the roles here that are in a state of change, I can feel impatient or uncertain of how I’m filling these roles. But when I remember that I and those I love are seen, loved, and cared for by our heavenly father, I feel peace. I’m reminded that as his children, dearly loved, all will be well, because he is in control and he has a plan that is good for all of us. Even when I can’t see or understand everything clearly, I can trust that he does.
Maybe you're in a transition of some kind too. Whether you are or not, as the title of this post suggests, WHO WE BELIEVE is important. There are a lot of things telling us who and what to believe in our world, so being grounded in the truth of God's word and what he says provides us with a filter for what is and isn't of him. Without this filter, we can be easily pulled in the wrong direction.
Even though I’m a believer, if I’m not paying attention, I can believe things that aren’t true, either about myself, or others, or God. And it’s in those subtle little moments that I need to claim the truth of God’s word, state it out loud, and cling to it in spite of any doubts I may have. If I let the doubts or lies go unchecked, they can become the thing I believe, and they can keep me from living out God’s purposes.
A very real and simple example for me of this happening is the lies that can get in the way of my writing. There are days when I wonder what on earth I could say that would actually matter to anyone. I’m not a Bible expert, not a pastor, not a famous anything. I’m just a normal person, living an average life, making mistakes like anyone else, who really loves God and believes in his word. So on many days it’s easier to say that someone else can do it better. But what if everyone said that? The deceiver and enemy of God would love that, right? He wants nothing more than for people to remain silent about God. But if I’m silent, am I demonstrating that I believe in God’s word?
Mark 16:15 says, “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’”
2 Timothy 4:2 says, “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”
These two verses, along with several others, make it clear that I am to share his word, in all seasons, even the ones that seem harder. By doing so, I’m defeating those insecurities and lies that try to keep me quiet.
Before I sat down to write this blogpost, I had already come up with a multitude of reasons why I shouldn’t write. Here are some of them:
· Do people really want to read what I have to say?
· Someone else could write and share about their faith so much better.
· I need to go do laundry.
· What’s happening on Instagram right now?
· When’s my Amazon package arriving? (followed by checking my order and then browsing for things I don’t really need!)
None of these thoughts brought me any closer to getting this blog written. They were all thoughts that distracted me and kept me from writing.
The first two thoughts, the ones criticizing my ability to write and share God’s word are the most concerning ones, as they’re the lies I can easily believe and follow if I’m not careful.
These little lies can creep into any area of our lives. So, what can we do to stop them?
Ephesians 6:13-16 tells us how:
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
That’s how we defend ourselves from the lies that keep us from believing in God’s promises and truths.
When I’m having doubts or feeling uneasy about things, the best thing I’ve found to help is to read and write verses that combat the way I’m feeling. Recently, I wrote verses that remind me that God sees me and knows me, as these give me comfort in knowing that he understands my feelings and my worries, and he will answer and help me in the right time and in the right way.
For example, Isaiah 43:1 says,
Listen to the Lord who created you. Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.
Genesis 16:13 says,
Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me.”
Jeremiah 29:11-13 says,
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord.
That last one is so comforting, knowing that he listens, and that I can find him when I seek him. In fact, by simply writing these words I feel better than I did before typing them. If I needed a reason to believe my writing was of value, the fact that it has brought me closer to God should be reason enough. And if this has helped even one reader feel a little lighter, a little more at peace because of the reminder of God's love and presence, it will all be worth it.
So I'm putting on my armor today as I share this. In spite of my doubts, in spite of not feeling at my best, I’m claiming God’s word for you and for me.
I pray you have a peace-filled week, remembering the truth of God’s word -that he sees you, hears you, knows you, loves you, and is with you in every valley and on every mountain top. Amen.
Journaling Activities:
· How are you doing today? What are you feeling? Write your honest thoughts in a prayer to God, and then thank him for knowing and loving you in every good or bad moment of your days.
· Look up verses that will combat any lies you might be believing. You can find these easily with an internet search. For example, if you’re feeling discouraged, type in “Bible verses for when you feel discouraged” and you’ll find more than enough.
· Read a Psalm and personalize it for your own prayer. You can do this with other passages in the Bible too. One of my favorites to do this with is actually Daniel 6:26-27. I call it my “Lion Mouth Prayer” because it’s one I can say and pray over any need that might seem impossible for me, but is possible with God. Simply change the name at the end to your name instead of Daniel and state what God can rescue you from or help you with.
For example:
For he is the living God, and he will endure forever.
His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his rule will never end.
He rescues and saves his people; he performs miraculous signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth. He has rescued Daniel (place your name here) from
the power of the lions. (State what he is rescuing you from/helping you overcome.)
· Put that last line, personalized, on repeat this week: For example:
“God has rescued me from lies that aren’t from him.”
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