10 truths and one lie
finding assurance in the midst of chaos
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Why are we so hard wired to believe the negative over the positive? Why is it that if we allow it, one negative thing can impact us for the rest of our life in spite of 100 other positive things? Statistics have shown that it literally takes 5 positive comments to counter one negative comment. (Last fall I wrote a whole blog on this called, the power of the negative, if you would like to go deeper.)
“Being negative only makes a journey more difficult. You may be given a cactus, but you don't have to sit on it.” ~ Joyce Meyer.
Negativity is powerful! In fact, negativity has the power to ruin our lives. Society and culture continually “tell us” we are not where we should be, we should be doing more, working more, being more. If not kept in check we can get lost in a blackhole of lies, and endless struggles to prove ourselves. Sadly enough, those lies, and negativity often make it difficult for us to believe that we could possibly be someone God loved enough to die for and that any of His promises could possibly be for us.
We live in a perpetually negative culture, and sometimes we don’t even realize it. My life has naturally slowed down significantly since my cancer diagnosis. I can’t move about freely or easily as I did before surgery. I haven’t been able to drive, and as my body is healing, I am way more tired than usual, therefore forcing me to relax much more than I am used to.
I was recently discussing this with a couple of friends, and they asked me what God is teaching me in this time of stillness, this time when I cannot run at the pace I normally run, and the word that repeatedly comes to mind is assurance. God has been showing me that culture is continually telling us who we aren’t, but in the stillness I am experiencing, I am learning truth, true affirmations of my value and worth in who God says I am, not culture.
Culture says if we aren’t social media influencers, we are nothing. Culture tells us we aren’t important if we aren’t busy all the time, working non-stop, traveling, partying, shopping and wearing the latest trends.
Culture tells us how we should be as people, as parents, friends, lovers, believers…worst of all, culture tells our children and our grandchildren who they should be. Today’s culture is full of negative messages, mixed messages, twisted messaging, and utter chaos.
Today’s culture tells us many, many negative things that fall under one massively HUGE LIE!
Culture says you are not…
Skinny enough.
Smart enough.
Pretty enough.
Funny enough.
Educated enough.
Wealthy enough.
Tall enough.
Peaceful enough.
Aggressive enough.
You get the picture. The BIG LIE???
You are NOT ENOUGH!
My message today, is a message of encouragement for those who need to know truth, for those who feel like they will never be sure of themselves, and, for those who are tired and weary, striving to be “enough” by cultures standards. You don’t have to be perfect, or stop drinking, or smoking, or cussing before you come to Christ. God says we can come to Him just as we are, but He doesn’t want us to stay there.
You don’t have to be “enough” before inviting Christ into your life because none of us ever will be enough, on our own, without Jesus. Without Christ we will stay in the chaos of this culture, on that hamster wheel, running, running, running, and never achieving.
All throughout scripture God tells us who we are when we give our lives to Him. Below are (only) ten of the truths we are told about ourselves throughout the Bible. Truths that assure us that we are enough when we live for Jesus.
1. I am created in the very image of God! Genesis 1:27 - WOW!!!!
2. I am God’s workmanship. Ephesians 2:10 & Psalm 139:14 - He knit me in my mother’s womb!!
3. I am a child of God. John 1:12 - He loves me like a father.
4. I am loved. John 3:16 & 1 John 4:19 - I AM loved. Just as I am! I’m enough!
5. I am forgiven. Ephesians 1:8 ; Colossians 1:14 - I don’t have to live in or with shame!
6. I have a purpose. Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 1: 9 & 3:11 - My life has meaning.
7. I have hope. Ephesians 1:12 - I can push through because He carries me.
8. He is faithful. Philippians 1:6 - I am confident He’ll complete what He has started in me.
9. I am free. Galatians 5:1- Through His death & resurrection I am free of sin & guilt.
10. I am never alone. Joshua 1:9 – God will never leave me. I am His.
Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. Ephesians 1:4
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Something to consider: Did you know you are created in the image of God? Are you tired of chasing the never ending "enough" ? Did you know you don't have to be perfect to let Jesus in? Do you need assurance He loves you and sees you just as you are? Won't you invite Him into your heart today?
