Today, the rate at which information travels is unlike any other time in history. The blessings of modern technology, including the Internet, phones, and computers, have paved the way for unlimited information. With the rise of smartphones and apps, practically everyone can access the latest news and messages from around the globe. With these blessings, there seem to be many messages that sound true, but when you look closely at them, you discover they are lies.
The average person is estimated to encounter between four thousand and ten thousand messages across various channels daily. This includes advertising messages from billboards, online ads, social media posts, emails, news updates, notifications, text messages, and conversations. Some studies say that Americans are exposed to about five thousand advertisements daily. All of these messages create a phenomenon known as information overload, which can make it challenging to process or retain specific messages.
So what? We receive a lot of messages. Why does this matter?
Have you ever had a friend tell you something, and you went off and acted on that message? It could be a business deal or a tip to shed those extra pounds. Regardless of what it was, have you ever done so and then later found out what your friend told you wasn’t true? Maybe the business deal failed, or the tip to shed those pounds didn’t work.
With all the information we are bombarded with daily, how many of these messages are lies? How can we filter out lies from the truth? If you are anything like me, it can get exhausting to determine the validity of these messages. Eventually, our brains can’t keep up.
So what do we do? How can we, as believers, combat the lies that we are bombarded with each day? Below are seven practical strategies to stand on the truth and fight the lies.
1. Recognize and Identify the Lies
Why It Matters:
With the overflow of information we receive, lies can easily slip into our minds undetected. If left unchecked, they can shape our beliefs and behaviors. These could be lies about our purpose, self-worth, or God’s character. Regardless of the lie, if left unchecked, it can cause long-lasting damage.
The How:
- Self-Reflection: Spend a few minutes daily to reflect on negative or unhelpful thoughts. Ask yourself if the thoughts align with what God says about you.
- Journal the Lies: Write down thoughts to help you recognize patterns. For example, if you catch yourself thinking, “I’m a failure” or “I always screw up,” you can identify it as a lie that needs addressing.
- Seek God’s Perspective: Pray and ask God to reveal any lies you’re holding onto. The Holy Spirit will guide you into truth and expose any falsehoods.
Example:
Common lies include “I am unworthy of God’s love,” “God doesn’t care about me,” or “I’ll never overcome this.” Identify these lies so you can intentionally fight them with truth.
2. Replace Lies with Scripture
Why It Matters:
Scripture is the most powerful tool for combating lies because it is our unchanging standard of truth. If Jesus Himself used Scripture to confront lies during His temptation in the wilderness, you better believe it’s a weapon we should be utilizing, too.
The How:
- Memorize Key Scriptures: Find Bible verses that specifically counter the lies you struggle with. For example, if you’re battling feelings of condemnation, Romans 8:1 (“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”) is a powerful reminder.
- Recite and Meditate: When a lie surfaces, immediately speak the truth from Scripture. Meditate on the verse throughout the day to let it sink into your heart.
- Keep a Truth Journal: Write down each lie and its corresponding Scripture. Revisit these regularly to reinforce God’s truth.
Example Verses:
- For Worth: Psalm 139:14 – “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
- For Purpose: Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord…”
- For Peace: Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything…”
3. Pray and Seek God’s Help for Discernment
Why It Matters:
Lies can cloud our thinking, but prayer invites God’s wisdom and brings clarity and perspective. Prayer strengthens our minds against deception and helps us rely on God’s power.
The How:
- Pray for Wisdom: Ask God to help you see the difference between lies and truth. Trust that He will give you discernment (James 1:5).
- Pray Against Deception: Prayer is also a spiritual battle. Ask for protection against the lies of the enemy, especially those that repeatedly surface.
- Scripture-Based Prayers: Incorporate Scripture into your prayers.
For example, pray Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, God, and know my heart… lead me in the way everlasting.”
Example:
“Lord, I ask for wisdom and clarity. Help me see any lies that may be influencing my thoughts. Strengthen my mind to reject falsehood and stand on Your truth.”
4. Engage with a Supportive Christian Community
Why It Matters:
Lies thrive in isolation, but a community provides encouragement, accountability, and truth. A solid Christian support system helps you grow spiritually and stand firm against lies.
The How:
- Seek Accountability: Have a trusted friend, mentor, or coach with whom you can share struggles. They can remind you of the truth when feeling down or misled.
- Join a Small Group or Bible Study: Engage in a group that prioritizes spiritual growth and Bible study so you’re regularly reminded of God’s truth.
- Encourage One Another: Practice encouragement and truth-telling with one another, as Paul instructs in Hebrews 10:24-25.
Example:
Find a friend you can check in with weekly. Share what you’re going through and pray for each other. A strong community keeps you grounded in truth.
5. Guard Your Mind and Heart
Why It Matters:
Daily exposure to media, negative messages, and societal pressures can feed lies. Being intentional about what we allow into our minds helps us maintain a clear perspective.
The How:
- Limit Harmful Media: Identify media sources or activities that encourage comparison, fear, or negativity, and consider reducing or eliminating them.
- Replace Media with Godly Content: Spend time listening to worship music, sermons, or Christian podcasts. This reinforces God’s truths rather than secular messages.
- Set Boundaries on Conversations: If certain relationships lead to gossip or negativity, consider setting healthy boundaries or steering conversations in a positive direction.
Example:
Consider taking a break or “media fast” for a day each week, and instead, use that time to read Scripture or other uplifting material.
6. Practice Gratitude to Reframe Negative Thinking
Why It Matters:
Lies often make us focus on what we lack or fear. Practicing gratitude shifts our mindset to recognize God’s blessings and faithfulness.
The How:
- Daily Gratitude List: Write down three things you’re grateful for each day. This habit will train your mind to focus on positive truths.
- Thank God for Specific Truths: Thank Him for who He is and the promises He’s given. Gratitude toward God reinforces our understanding of His unchanging nature.
- Shift Your Perspective: When a lie surfaces, respond with a truth and something you’re grateful for. For instance, if you feel “I’m all alone,” you might respond, “I thank You, God, for always being with me (Joshua 1:9).”
Example:
Keep a gratitude journal by your bed and write in it every night. Reflecting on God’s goodness is a powerful way to combat lies.
7. Remember God’s Sovereign Plan and Eternal Truths
Why It Matters:
Understanding God’s sovereignty and eternal truths helps us view life from a kingdom perspective. Lies lose power when we focus on God’s plan and promises.
The How:
- Focus on Eternity: Remind yourself that earthly struggles are temporary. This helps keep everyday lies and doubts in perspective.
- Trust in God’s Faithfulness: Reflect on times God has come through for you. Journaling or discussing this with friends can be a powerful reminder.
- Use Promises of Scripture: Hold onto promises such as Romans 8:28, which assures us that God is working everything for good.
Example:
When facing a tough time or recurring lie, remind yourself of God’s past faithfulness and His promise to be with you. This perspective shift helps to anchor you in His truth.
In a world filled with many messages that may seem true, we have a powerful advantage to combat the lies. By utilizing these seven strategies, we can take positive steps toward creating a healthy filter for the lies we encounter. Though the journey isn’t about perfection, each step brings us closer to God’s peace and strength. So, as you face daily challenges, remember that God is with you, equipping you to stand firm and live in the freedom only His truth provides.
*Photo by Jordan Brown on Unsplash
