The Truth Will Set You Free

Photo by: Markus Winkler @ UnSplash.com

The Truth Will Set You Free

Author: Cynthia Greene, Christian Encourager

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32

What are you saying to yourself in your thoughts?  At times we can struggle with negative self-talk. Sometimes these unhealthy thoughts run through our minds like an endless tape.  It is destructive and self-defeating behavior.  Often, these negative thoughts are based on lies we have spoken to ourselves or others have said to us.  Over time we begin to believe the lies and they become part of our neuropathways in our brain.  These thoughts can cause us to sabotage ourselves and push others away.

Where Do Negative Thoughts Come From?

The real author of these thoughts is Satan who wants to defeat and discourage us.   Scripture tell us that he is the “Father of lies” and there is no truth in him (John 8:44).  He comes as a thief to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10).   He is working 24/7 to fill our thoughts with messages through music, TV, social media, others, and our own thoughts.  The enemy wants us to spend our time thinking about lies that cause us to be filled with worry, doubt and fear.  He doesn’t want us to dwell on the Truths of God that will set us free (John 8:32). 

What Negative Thoughts Are We Telling Ourselves

Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…”  The thoughts we believe and say to ourselves directly affect both our physical and spiritual health. 

Examples of the lies we tell ourselves may include:

• “I will never be good enough”
• “No one loves me…”
• I am not pretty, smart, skinny enough…”
• “People are going to reject me…”
• “I am alone.”

What Does God’s Word Say About Us?

But there is hope!  These lies (negative self-talk) are habitual patterns of thought that are not serving us well.  These strongholds can be changed by renewing our minds and paving new neuropathways in our brain through God’s truth.

Scriptures are full of the truth, hope and promises of God.  His Word He tells us who we really are.  To counter the lies, consider these scriptures:

• You are a New Creation –  2 Corinthians 5:17
• You are a Child of God – John 1:12
• Our Bodies are the Temple of the Holy Spirit – 1 Corinthians 3:16
• You are Forgiven – 1 John 1:9
• You are Loved – John 15:9
• You are Never Alone – Matthew 28:20
• You are Fearfully and Wonderfully made – Psalm 139:13-14

Applying The Truth in Our Lives

In 1 Chronicles 16:11 we read, “Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His face continually”.  Let scripture be your guide and insight into how God sees you and the circumstances you are facing.  

It is through filling our minds with His Truth that we will counter and replace the negative thoughts that come into our minds.  The Bible is the source of Truth.  Let His Word gives you purpose, strength, encouragement, knowledge, and guidance in our lives. 

We were created by a God who chose us from before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 4:4-6).  He loves us, forgives us, and is always with us.    Be encouraged! Put aside the lies we tell ourselves and let His Truth set you free!

Related Article: Meditate on My Word

Questions to Ponder:

• What lies am I telling myself?
• How well do my words and thoughts align with God’s truth?
• What steps can I take to improve what I say to myself?
• Do my words align with the principles in Philippians 4:8?
• How can I encourage others to speak Truth to themselves?