Last week I wrote about three lies we tend to believe about God that keep us from enjoying a more intimate relationship with Him. This week I want to give you three more. If they’re lies you believe, knowing Scriptural truth may help you realize that God is so much more than you were taught or that you imagined and He’s waiting for you to discover it.
Here are three more lies we tend to believe about God and what to believe instead:
- Lie: God insists that you “grow” through life, not enjoy it.
Let’s get something straight. Life has its share of difficulties, with or without God. When we love God, and are called according to His purpose, we can trust Him to bring good out of difficult situations and make us more like His Son through them (Romans 8:28-29). But that doesn’t mean God refuses to allow us enjoyment while we’re on this earth. Jesus came to give us life more abundantly (John 10:10), not life more miserably. And even though Jesus was called “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3), that doesn’t mean He frowns upon our laughter and enjoyment. To the contrary, the Psalmist said there is “fullness of joy” in God’s presence, and “pleasures forever” at His right hand (Psalm 16:11 NASB). Start living by the truth that you were created to love God and enjoy Him forever.
- Lie: God doesn’t want you to have any fun or experience any joy.
God created adventure and the idea of fun. He is the author of spontaneity, excitement, laughter, and joy. So if you think He’s the One holding you back from a better, more exciting life, you just don’t know Him very well.
In John 10:10, where Jesus told us He came to bring us life more abundantly, He also reminded us that Satan is the thief who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. Don’t get the two mixed up. If Satan can lure you into what you think will be fun (any attempt at fulfillment apart from God) and make you believe God is a kill-joy, he’ll get you right where he wants you – feeling devastated and desperate for something more. Trust the God who loves you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3) and who can do “immeasurably more than all we can ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). You will find His way of fun, fulfillment, and peace is a lot better and more fulfilling than yours – or anyone else’s.
- Lie: God doesn’t want you to succeed.
Years ago the “health and wealth” gospel had many of us cringing. To imply God simply wants you to be rich and happy isn’t biblical. But sometimes we can take a martyr approach and conclude that God doesn’t want us to be successful at all. The truth: God wants you to succeed, but according to HIS definition of success.
God knows better than we do how personal success can cause us to rely on ourselves, rather than Him. Thus, Scripture instructs us to humble ourselves in God’s presence and He will exalt us (James 4:10). That doesn’t mean He doesn’t want us to succeed. It means He wants to direct us toward His idea of success so that we will remain humble, surrendered, and obedient to Him.
Psalm 1 says “Blessed (or successful) is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night (verses 1-2). Verse 3 tells us, “whatever they do prospers.” God loves to bless those who trust Him and look to Him for their strength (Jeremiah 17:7-8). Don’t think God doesn’t want you to be successful. He just wants you to define success His way.
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus said “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” In addition, Psalm 37:4 tells us, “Delight yourselves in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
Instead of believing that God doesn’t want you to succeed, a more biblical thought is “God wants to bless as I get my priorities right.” God’s idea of success is often different than yours. Try striving after God’s definition of success and you will find He equips you with all you need to be the person of God He has purposed.
Which of these lies will you stop believing today? I’d love to hear it in the comment section below. (And for more on defining success God’s way and becoming the woman He desires, see my books, When Women Long for Rest and Women on the Edge.)
Thank you, Cindi!
I have been flirting with the first one, thanks to some well-meaning Christians who have insisted that this life is just preparation for the next, we don’t really belong here, this world is not our home etc. and made me feel guilty for enjoying some of the simple pleasures of this world.
I loved this article!! As a matter fact I just wrote in a journal the other day, “I don’t think God is a killjoy” as I was praying through this idea that by enjoying some of life‘s simple pleasures I was somehow catering to the flesh. Thank you so much for sharing this!
You’re welcome, Karen. I’m glad this blog came at a good time for you.
These are all great points pointing to God as a loving Father who has a plan for me, you, us. However, practically speaking, could you give examples for each ? How do I know I am following God’s plan for my life? Or, better yet, what do I do to make sure of it. I read scripture, devotionals, pray, serve. I’ve overcome some terrible issues by trusting God and choosing better for myself. Isn’t this enough? I’m not ambitious, an eloquent speaker, or positive 24/7. I’m a flawed human being seeking God in every way I can, but still not sure I’m where He desires me to be. How can I apply your points, and they ARE good points, to move my life forward?
Hi Sarah, there’s only so much I can cover in a 700- to 1000-word blog. But that’s why I’ve written several books on the topic. My book, When a Woman Overcomes Life’s Hurts, specifically addresses ten steps toward healing and wholeness so that we won’t be stuck in our wounds instead of moving forward in our relationship with Christ. One of those steps is to reject certain lies like “I can never be forgiven” and “ That’s just the way I am” and live in our new identity in Christ, as described in Ephesians 1 and elsewhere in Scripture. As we uncover our wounds, unravel the lies, and unveil a new heart that lives in the identity of who we are in Christ, we can move forward spiritually and emotionally in wholeness. If that still sounds a little vague there are far more details, examples, and practical application steps in that book. Thanks for asking.
Hi Cindi
I do appreciate your comments on “Lies” I believe Satan is the father of Lies. In saying that at times I feel God would want me to write another book and I hear instantaneously no Linda your not good enough to do that and thenI get down . Please pray for me . Thank You very much
I am going to buy the book you mentioned for sure and others .
🤗❤️🙏
Linda, every person (writer or not) hears that lie from Satan when she attempts to do something that might glorify God. I’m glad you recognize that voice is a lie and not from God. My book, When a Woman Discovers Her Dream, would also be encouraging for you right now.