Save me, Lord, from liars and deceivers. Psalm 120:2

My dentist has a sign in his office that says, “Don’t believe everything you think.” While there are plenty of liars and con men in the world, sometimes the lies we tell ourselves can be just as damaging. Denying, justifying, or blaming others for the wrongs we do is only one form of self-deception.  We can also deceive ourselves by making a home in our minds and hearts for the negative affirmations we picked up somewhere along the line. When we think “I’m not good enough,” or “What’s the use, I’ll never be able to __________,” we lie to ourselves.

Unrealistic expectations helped me lie to myself about my writing. I’ve loved to write ever since I learned to form words on a page. I joined the creative writing club in school but felt my work wasn’t as good as everybody else’s. Fearing rejection, I put my pen down for thirty years. But finally, I was shown that by never submitting anything to a publisher, my chances of being published went from slim to none. I was already rejected by default. After studying a bit to improve my skills, I began again to express myself on the written page. I started submitting articles. Some got rejected, but some were published. I believe it was God’s guidance that saved me from the lie I had told myself all those years ago about not being good enough.

Prayer:  Lord, lead us to the Truth.

Reflection for sharing: What are some of the lies the world tells us? How can we avoid buying in to them?