1. Lie: “As soon as I have (x, y, z) I will be happy.”
Truth: The popular saying, “the grass is always greener on the other side,” is mistaken. What it means to say is that the grass always seems greener on the other side. We want what we don’t have and as soon as we have it, we want more. While it’s both normal and inevitable to want things, especially with Christmas approaching, it’s important to realize that we could have all the things of the world (name-brand clothing, the newest car, popularity) and it still wouldn't be enough. Our attention is to be focused on greater things, like this incredible life that has been given to us and the luxuries that matter most: love, kindness, wisdom. ~ Matthew 6:25-34 ~
2. Lie: “I am not pretty, smart, or wealthy enough for this.”
Truth: You are more than capable, more than equipped. I read something the other day that asked, “If you had a friend who spoke to you like you speak to yourself, how long would you allow that person to be your friend?” It’s so easy to belittle ourselves, but it is not constructive. If you feel you aren’t smart enough for a certain class or job, find tangible ways to improve; don’t waste valuable time sulking. If you feel you aren’t pretty or physically attractive enough to be around a certain person or people, think again. You have been wonderfully and remarkably made, inside and out. ~ Isaiah 43:4 ~
3. Lie: “I’ll never be forgiven. I don’t deserve it.”
Truth: Well, it’s true that we don’t deserve forgiveness, at least not from the one who matters (AKA God), but lucky for us, Jesus is a really cool guy who died (and rose) for our transgressions. Because of this, even our ugliest sins are forgiven, and there’s nothing we can do to change that. If you feel you don’t deserve forgiveness from your peers however, you’re wrong for sure. We are human and therefore guaranteed to make mistakes. Just because you did terrible thing does not mean you are a terrible person. ~ Ephesians 2:8 ~
4. Lie: On the contrary, “They don’t deserve my forgiveness.”
Truth: Forgiveness is hard, especially when the person who hurt you was someone important in your life or someone who swore they never would. It may take time and a whole lot of prayer, but offering forgiveness is crucial. It’s freeing, and if the roles were reversed, you would hope to be forgiven as well. ~ Colossians 3:13 ~
5. Lie: “I’m stupid for being upset about this.”
Truth: Your feelings are valid. Anger, sadness, regret, fear… whatever it is, it’s valid. Don’t stress even more in thinking you’re silly for being upset in the first place. Allow yourself to ache, and then move on. We ought to stop over-thinking our feelings - why? Because truth overrules emotion. ~ John 16:33 ~
6. Lie: “It’s never going to get better.”
Truth: This particular lie has a way of etching into our minds, causing us to feel trapped and defenseless, but this could not be further from the truth. Pursue the Lord in your time of doubt. His intentions are good and His ways are perfect. Trust in Him and remember that our perspective of things is from the earth, while His is from the Heavens, like watching over the city from the top of the St. Louis Arch. ~ Jeremiah 29:11 ~
