Lies the Liar tells us

When confronted with our own shortcomings, it is easy to slip into a mode of thinking that is not only harmful, but flat out wrong.  Convalescence from my accident has been slow--at least, slower than I think it should be, and thus far incomplete.  I thought I was doing much better, and then attempted a hike that proved very thoroughly that it was healing as well as strength that was lacking.  By the grace of God, I made it back to civilization and safety, but my pride had taken a serious beating in the process.  After wallowing in my injured pride for a while, I was suddenly brought up short.  It wasn't a voice from the heavens or a lightning bolt to the brain; something in me just suddenly spoke up very clearly and said, "That's wrong.  That's a lie."

And that stopped me cold.  I'd been feeling sorry for myself, feeling weak and abandoned and generally unloved, but that was all lies.  Well, I thought to myself, the best cure for a lie is the truth, so I sat down and wrote out a list of all the lies I was in danger of believing.  Here are some of them:

1. You are weak.
2. You are alone.
3. You are unloved.
4. You are unlovable.
5. You are broken.
6. You are a coward.
7. Nothing you do matters.

That's a rather daunting list, but what does God say about them?

1. God's strength is made perfect in weakness.
2. God said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
3. "I have loved you with an everlasting love."
4. I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
5. I have been bought with a price, and reconciled to God.
6. "Fear not, for I am with you--Be not dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you.  I will uphold you with my mighty right hand."
7. "For I know the plans I have for you--plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future."

And then I felt a bit foolish, but much better about life in general.  So when the Liar starts in on you, remember the truth--God promised it would set us free.