What is something you believe, at least partially, even though you know it can’t be true? Do you struggle with any of these doubts:
- Am I important to God?
- Am I lovable?
- Am I acceptable?
- Does God have my best interest in mind?
- Does God care what I do with my life?
- Is my life’s work significant?
- Will I make it to heaven?
Ideally, you would be able to answer all questions with a resounding, YES! But if you can’t, you’re not alone.
If you read your Bible and think about it long enough, you probably could say you know the answer to all the questions is “yes.” Despite this, it is possible to have doubts.
Have you ever stopped to think that what isn’t true isn’t real? In this context, I think of “real” as any person or idea that will last forever and is neutral to positive about God. Biblical ideas are real. They will last forever and you have a positive use for them.
The next time you struggle with doubts, remind yourself that falsehoods aren’t real. If you’re a believer, you’re going to outlast all false ideas, deceptions, and evil spirits. Don’t give falsehoods any more credibility. You have God’s Spirit within you. You don’t have to submit yourself to wrong ideas.
Most of creation as we know it is temporary. Even many created things, despite being positive and useful, aren’t as “real” as you are.
Look how the wild flowers grow! They don’t work hard to make their clothes. But I tell you that Solomon with all his wealth wasn’t as well clothed as one of these flowers. God gives such beauty to everything that grows in the fields, even though it is here today and thrown into a fire tomorrow. Won’t he do even more for you? You have such little faith! Don’t keep worrying about having something to eat or drink.
Luke 12:27-29 CEV
I’m not saying you should ignore the parts of life you don’t like. I am saying cling only to those things that are real. Everything else isn’t going to last.
My friends, what I mean is that the Lord will soon come, and it won’t matter if you are married or not. It will be all the same if you are crying or laughing, or if you are buying or are completely broke. It won’t make any difference how much good you are getting from this world or how much you like it. This world as we know it is now passing away.
1 Corinthians 7:29-31 CEV
Cling only to what is real. Ask God to help you know the different between real and fake.
Let the inner movement of your heart always be to love one another, and never play the role of an actor wearing a mask. Despise evil and embrace everything that is good and virtuous.
Romans 12:9 TPT
