“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12:2
My father was such a good provider, he worked three jobs to make sure our family was taken care of but from my limited perspective, it felt like we lived in a single-parent home (my father was absent most of my formative years). This does not make my Pops a bad person or an unacceptable parent. In fact, he was the ultimate provider, existing on fumes of two hour ‘naps’. If it wasn’t for my dad’s heroic sacrifice, I wouldn’t have attended private school or enjoyed the pleasure of having straight teeth. My father’s dedication to our family financed my education and eight years of orthodontics. For this I will be forever grateful.
Unfortunately, this does not mean I did not pick up some skewed thinking. My little brain could not wrap my head around the concept of work, and I took my father’s absence as a sign of personal rejection. In fact, I carried this rejection for so long, it warped my identity into a self-loathing, insecure people-pleaser. Up until recently, I believed I would always struggle with a deep sense of unworthiness.
Then I learned, I could simply let go of the lies by allowing God to show me His truth. When we allow lies to taint our perspective, we filter our view. You see, all of us (on some level), struggle with belief systems that are rooted in fear and lies (not in God’s word or truth). By default, we find ourselves unconsciously projecting these distortions onto others (as others also unconsciously do the same to us).
When we enter into family of God, we’re given permission (and authority) to walk tall in our new identity. With the Holy Spirit’s lead, we are now able to submit to a whole new paradigm of seeing.
Because this process of growth and discovery is specific to each person, it often takes trial and error to untangle the truth of what God says from the distortions we’ve taken on as truth. Of course, there is a massive difference between the two, but because deeply rooted lies can ‘feel’ like truth (in our bodies and minds), it takes prayerful intention to determine the difference and untangle ourselves.
The truth is, you are worthy because God says you are. Jesus thought you were so valuable, He died for your reconciliation with God. When I chose to root myself in God’s acceptance, I felt grounded enough to build from there.
Did you know the healing process began the minute you turned your life to God? But, it doesn’t end there. The truth is healing is your responsibility. You must depend on God’s direction for further healing. This is your inheritance, but you must do your part to secure it.
If your mind is filled with self-sabotage, begin from a fresh slate of innate worthiness. When you choose to believe the truth of what God says (that you are worthy) the Holy Spirit has the proper foundation for the re-construction process. It’s up to you to do your part and I can promise you, God is faithful to do His.
Journal prompts for uncovering lies and exposing truth:
Journal to yourself by making a list of all your ‘perceived’ liabilities.
Then, journal out answers to these questions:
- Who decided these perceived liabilities were truth?
- Is this God’s truth (does it line up with God’s word and what He says about me?)
- Is this distortion another person’s opinion?
- Is this distortion something I’ve told myself?
*Remember God’s truth is always expansive; it will encourage growth, hope, and life.
Journal with God by asking Him to highlight the lies.
- Ask God to share His truth.
- Replace each lie with God’s truth.
*Lies (or distortions) are constricting; they foster insecurity, isolation, depression and regression. In essence, they bring death and discouragement.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” Romans 8:14
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.” Romans 8:5
Prayer to release personal distortions:
“Heavenly Father,
I praise your name for you’ve created me in your image with a unique and divine purpose!
I come out of agreement with anything blocking my divine destiny.
Today, I release every lie rooted in distortions. I release every insecurity connected to them. Nothing will prevent me from reaching my God-potential.
In exchange for these lies, open my heart to seeing your truth.
Release me from the habit of judging others. This will free my heart from the burden of judging myself. Growing means I will make mistakes…so all judgment must go. It has no purpose for where God wants to take me.
I command shame to leave my mind, making room for your peace. I ready my heart to go to levels with you, God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
