Hey there, welcome back! I’m genuinely curious to hear about your experiences applying the powerful question, “What else could be true?” to those moments that make you feel alone. Share your conversations about the reasons you believed in your solitude. Your journey matters, and I’m here for it! Sending prayers your way, asking God to fuel your energy, motivation, and dedication as you stride confidently away from the chains of false beliefs into the freedom He envisions for you. Keep embracing this transformative journey!
Now, here’s a game-changing step that I often find myself diving into sooner than later in the belief-shifting journey. Ready? It’s all about boldly saying, “Okay, I get it. This belief is a total fabrication, and it’s been doing me no favors. But what’s the truth?” Hear this if you hear nothing else: the real deal better align with what God says. So, I often find myself on a Bible treasure hunt, digging into God’s words to find the truth that counters the lies I’ve been swallowing. It’s not just good; it’s probably the absolute best thing we can do. Let’s trade those false beliefs for the unshakable truths rooted in His wisdom!
Let’s take a quick detour for a valuable recommendation. Sometimes, as we dive into uncovering truths, doubts about the validity and reliability of the Bible may surface. These doubts might be new or dormant, but rest assured, it’s a common part of the challenging yet immensely worthwhile journey we’re on. If you find yourself grappling with these uncertainties, it’s crucial to address them without fear of losing faith or questioning your Christian identity. My strong suggestion is to invest the time to settle these concerns. Your transformative work hinges on a solid belief in the absolute truth of God.
When facing doubts, there’s an array of books exploring the historicity of the Bible, addressing concerns about potential changes during translations over the centuries and providing evidence for the real-life existence of biblical characters. It’s eye-opening to discover the overwhelming historical support the Bible holds, far surpassing many other historical records. While I may not have an updated list of recommended books on hand, I encourage you to explore this realm and discover resources that solidify your confidence in the reliability of God’s Word. It’s a journey worth taking!
I am not at all the ultimate authority, but here’s a kickstart for your exploration. But first, a tip: don’t shy away from books written for a younger audience—they can offer readability and understanding without feeling like a lecture. Consider diving into “More Than a Carpenter,” “Mere Christianity,” “The Case for Christ,” and “Evidence That Demands a Verdict.” For bite-sized insights, explore YouTube videos that deliver shorter answers. I strongly encourage you to embark on this investigation yourself. God withstands scrutiny, and your faith journey will emerge even stronger.
Please know this is crucial. You can lean on the reliability of the Bible. Don’t breeze past this step; ensure you wholeheartedly trust its trustworthiness and truth. Embracing truth means actively aligning yourself with what God says, even when it doesn’t initially feel true. It’s a powerful partnership with the unwavering wisdom and absolute truth found in His words.
Let’s circle back to the tool of self-talk for this exercise. Recognize that, initially, your heart might not fully buy into it, and it might not resonate as true due to circumstances shouting a different ‘truth.’ Yet, despite the discord, it remains true. It’s similar to reassuring a child not to fear thunder. Thunder sounds loud and scary, and to a child, fear makes sense. Just as we wouldn’t ridicule a child for being scared of thunder, we compassionately acknowledge why we might not fully believe the truth yet, courtesy of circumstances shaping our confirmation bias. Yet, like calming the child about thunder, we can repeatedly affirm the truth—whether or not it’s immediately visible, the sun is still in the sky.
When it comes to reshaping our beliefs about being alone, unwanted, or not belonging, the pivotal question is, “What is the truth according to God?” This inquiry holds great importance. Receiving God’s truth is a straightforward process—simply seek out Bible verses that directly counteract the false beliefs we’ve embraced. It’s about replacing the lies with the unshakable truths found in His Word.
Let’s uncover the truths we’ve been yearning for in dismantling these damaging beliefs:
Lie: “I am too messed up to be desired for meaningful relationships.”
Truth: The Bible reveals your immense worth—Jesus died for you. You are fearfully and wonderfully made, dearly loved, and blessed with the freedom to live abundantly. (References: Psalm 139:14, John 3:16, John 10:10)
Lie: “Belonging is not for us. We are not made for community.”
Truth: We are intricately designed for community. If God crafted us to be one body, then the struggle to be part of that body is not in vain. (References: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27)
Lie: “Good relationships are only for others.”
Truth: God’s intricate knowledge of you—down to the number of hairs on your head—reveals His deep concern for your troubles. His instruction to bring burdens to Him is a blueprint for how we should love one another. (References: Matthew 10:30, Matthew 11:28-30)
Embrace these truths, for they are the keys to unlocking the abundant life that lies beyond the grip of these lies.
You can walk through any lie this way and quit agreeing with it by replacing the lie with truth.
You can take it a step further. Step one is critical, but you can add to it if you like. Visualizations can be powerful in solidifying what we are doing.
- Debunk the Lie: Challenge any lie by replacing it with the truth. Take a stand against falsehoods by actively aligning yourself with the unshakable truths from God’s Word.
- Visualize Liberation: Take it a step further with a visualization exercise. Write the lies on a piece of paper, envision yourself with nails and a hammer, and boldly approach the cross. Nail those lies to the cross, declaring your emancipation from these beliefs that no longer hold sway over you.
- Claim the Truth: Picture yourself walking away, Bible in hand, speaking aloud the truths that resonate most with your situation. Let the verses you choose be a powerful declaration of the freedom and strength found in God’s Word.
Here’s something else helpful for this chapter, especially in the context of loneliness: Consider sharing the beliefs you’ve parted ways with and the new ones you’re wholeheartedly embracing. Yes, it’s vulnerable, but vulnerability is a key ingredient for being known and fostering a sense of belonging. It acts as a counterbalance to any protective barriers that might have formed due to a sense of not belonging. More than that, it extends an invitation for others to join your journey. You might be pleasantly surprised to discover that others, too, have felt like outsiders. This sharing creates connections, unveils shared desires, and establishes mutual accountability for actions rooted in these newfound beliefs.
Verbalizing the false beliefs you’re replacing not only provides clarity on what still needs addressing but also opens the door for others to share their healthy truths. This exchange fosters a profound synergy, as walking together and sharing in each other’s processes fortify our individual journeys. The collective strength that emerges from this shared experience is truly powerful.
As we navigate the terrain of transforming our beliefs, let’s remember the potency of truth and vulnerability. Let’s actively replace the lies with God’s unchanging truths, liberating ourselves from the grip of false beliefs. But don’t stop there; take a bold step toward connection. Share your journey, unveil the lies you’ve shed, and embrace the empowering truths you now hold dear. This vulnerability not only strengthens your path but invites others to join in, fostering a sense of community and accountability. So, here’s your action step: Choose one person you trust, share a belief you’re breaking free from, and declare the empowering truth you’re choosing to believe. I know you can do this!
