Often the hardest battles are not on the outside but within. Some people can internalize an issue and come to a resolution. I am not that person. Most of the time I need to talk it out, write it out, sing it out– do something to get the truth out of my head and into reality. Lies creep in (or are sometimes ingrained in us), and they take root. The thing about most roots is that they don’t just stay in one direction. Rather, they spread out, creating a firmer hold. One lie doesn’t usually stay within one area of our lives, but it permeates throughout every aspect of our being, which can lead to doubt, self-loathing, and lack of confidence among other things. What I think about myself becomes what I think others think about me, leading to miscommunication and focusing on the world’s view rather than the Lord. It’s a vicious cycle that needs to end, and one way is to talk out the truth. Sometimes I do this by writing in my journal, but other times I need someone I can trust– who’s not afraid to point out the truth in love– to listen and point out the lies. And sometimes I need to write a blog post because I know the Lord will speak His truth and also hold me accountable for what I write (even when it’s not always fun to be held accountable).

In a spirit of honesty, there are times I want to believe the lies. That sounds crazy, right? Why would I want to do that? Because it gives me a sense of justification for my actions and frustrations. My flesh wants to feel the anger or sadness, but it is not real justification. Rather, it’s perceived as an easy way out of the situation while actually causing more pain to myself and those around me. As a Christian, I am called to resist my flesh and fight the lies even when it’s harder than giving in. I should know who I am and Whose I am:

“For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so,  and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:6-8 (NASB)

“So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” Romans 8:12-14 (NASB)

Paul encourages the Philippians with the following words:

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:4-9 (bold type added for emphasis)

It all comes down to the same choice: flesh versus Spirit. There is no room for excuses or self-justification. I either act and think according to the flesh or according to the Spirit. The enemy wants me to doubt what God has called me to do. He wants me to fail and to see myself as a failure. He wants me to believe the lies that lead to miscommunication with others, splintering relationships. He wants to get me alone with my thoughts because that’s where his battleground is strongest. Even after being a Christian for many years, I still need to hear the question: Does God say or think that about you? It’s yes or no. If it’s “no”, then the only other option is the enemy. When I can identify the “who” then I can address the situation with truth in mind. I am the hardest on myself, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who struggles with that. But as a Christian of about 30 years, it’s time for me to grow up spiritually and act on God’s truth first instead of desiring my fleshly justification.  

As I started reading through the Old Testament again, I recently read through God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt in the book of Exodus. It’s easy to think harshly of the Israelites as they grumbled in the wilderness, saying they’d rather go back to Egypt when they were facing trials. They had just experienced multiple miracles of the Lord, and yet they dared to grumble. But then that still small voice says to me, “You do that, too.” Oh the patience and lovingkindness of the Lord! How many times have I been on the mountaintop, trusting in myself, and then in the valley, wondering where God is? Or in truth, did I need the valley to bring me back to Him? And that is the love of the Father, who gives me what I need and not what I want. What I want does not always align with His will, and if I truly desire His will, my contentment shouldn’t change whether I’m on the mountain or in the valley. What’s beautiful is that He’s there in the midst of it all, never leaving or forsaking, as long as I am reaching for Him and desiring Him.

This world offers many things, but at what cost? I serve a God who gave it all so that I could be with Him, my Creator, for eternity. He is not a tolerant God, but He is patient (2 Peter 3:8-9). He is both wrathful and loving, fierce and gentle, disciplinary and comforting. He is the All in all, the Alpha and Omega, the Redeemer, the Savior, the Judge, the Almighty, the Holy One. If I talk out the lies, He will remind me that He is Truth, and that I am His. Let my anger be righteous against the enemy and not against His children. Let His love permeate through Me to others. Let my life be a testimony of God’s goodness. Let His truth reign in me and in all of us who call ourselves by His name, which is the name above all names: Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:9).

Talk out the lies and let His truth fill you.

© Lauren Demuth