Let Go of Your Self-defeating Lies
BY RICK WARREN — OCTOBER 20, 2014
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8 NIV)
We lie to ourselves all the time: “I haven’t gained any weight. I’m not hurting anyone. No one even noticed.”
But one lie is more dangerous than most: “It’s not really a problem.” You tell yourself that your finances aren’t a problem, your marriage isn’t in trouble, and your temper isn't out of control.
Lying to ourselves is the number one way we mess up our lives. The Bible says, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8 NIV). Sin causes us to deceive ourselves, and deception causes us to sin.
Behind every self-defeating act in our lives is a lie we’ve believed. Either we've lied to ourselves or we’ve believed one of Satan’s lies. The Bible says our heart is “deceitful above all things” (Jeremiah 17:9). You and I have an amazing ability to lie to ourselves.
So stop it! Stop rationalizing. Stop minimizing your behavior. Stop excusing. Stop tolerating.
To stop defeating yourself — doing all of those self-defeating behaviors that cripple your ability to follow Jesus faithfully — you have to stop deceiving yourself. Jesus said, “When you know the truth, the truth will set your free.” But first, the truth will make you miserable! You can’t be free from what you can’t admit exists.
You can’t beat the problem if you’re lying to yourself about it.
Talk It Over
- What self-destructive behavior in your life are you pretending isn’t there? What activity do you know is unhealthy?
- What are the lies you believe that keep you from making lasting changes in your life?
He Satisfies You
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:
"They shall not be put to shame in the time of evil; and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied."
(Psalm 37:19, AMP)
(Psalm 37:19, AMP)
TODAY'S WORD:
Are you expecting to see God supernaturally show up in your life? Are you expecting increase and abundance? Notice this verse tells us that the righteous, those who follow God’s commands, will be satisfied even in times of famine. Even when it looks like resources are slim, God has a plan to provide for His people.
God always shows Himself strong on behalf of the people who seek Him first—even during the most difficult times. No matter what you may be facing today, God wants to show Himself strong for you. He wants to make a way where there seems to be no way. He wants to satisfy you and bless you abundantly so that you can reach out and be a blessing to the people around you. Take a step of faith today and begin to declare His promises over your life. Declare that He is the One who satisfies you and expect to see His goodness in your life!
God always shows Himself strong on behalf of the people who seek Him first—even during the most difficult times. No matter what you may be facing today, God wants to show Himself strong for you. He wants to make a way where there seems to be no way. He wants to satisfy you and bless you abundantly so that you can reach out and be a blessing to the people around you. Take a step of faith today and begin to declare His promises over your life. Declare that He is the One who satisfies you and expect to see His goodness in your life!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father, thank You for Your faithfulness. You alone can satisfy me. Search my heart today and remove any doubt or uncertainty that would try to hold me back from the wonderful blessings You have in store for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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