Conquer Fear, Silence Self-Doubt, and Defy Lies Within

Can you tell when someone is lying? What about when the lie is obvious, like when a child whose face is covered with frosting claims he didn’t touch the cupcakes? With evidence present, you can more easily recognize a lie. How about when the person telling the lie is you? Why is it so difficult to recognize the lies we tell ourselves?

A few days ago, as I was packing for an overnight stay for a running event, my stomach was in knots. Unable to fully concentrate on my task, I wandered from room to room and gathered things in no logical order. After yet another trip to the bathroom, I was frustrated. What was my problem? Knowing I had the race coming up, I’d been careful with my food choices. My stomach should have been fine. Then the lies that had been secretly lingering all day spoke–I should just stay home. I’m too old to run. I shouldn’t do things for myself. Who do I think I am anyway?… On and on it went.

I listened to the lies and almost agreed they were true until I stopped myself. I wasn’t giving up without evidence. For each lie I heard, I found a contradiction to disprove it. After several minutes of thought, I had my evidence and decided to ignore the lies and press on with my plans.

Sometimes the lies we tell ourselves are subtle, almost hidden. If we’re not careful, these lies will become navigators of our lives. They’ll control us. I suspect most of these lies are rooted in fear. I know that’s the case for me, but I don’t need to succumb to fear. I can disprove the lies I tell myself, or the world tells me, and let go of the fear. In 2 Timothy 1:7 it says “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” I’m thankful for that sound mind, and I need to choose to use it regularly.

I encourage you to listen for any lies you tell yourself. Remind yourself of experiences or information that will disprove the lies and allow you to let go of fear. The next time you feel uneasy, listen for any lies that may be whispering. Stop them before they stop you.