Lie Detector by Lisa Burkhardt Worley
“and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV).
“You are an over-thinker.” That was a prophetic word I received from a woman who I did not know at a conference a few years ago. While we are supposed to dismiss non-encouraging words like that, I know there is some truth to it. I analyze almost every situation and every word I receive. However, sometimes it is a good practice, especially with the negative thoughts we receive from time-to-time.
The enemy of our soul wants to paralyze us with the lies he speaks into our minds. Lies like: You’re not good enough. You’re not pretty enough. You’re not smart enough. The Bible says about Satan: “When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44, NLT).
In order to combat these untruths, we need to install an internal lie detector. A lie detector test is a device or procedure that measures and records several physiological indicators such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and skin conductivity while a person is asked and answers a series of questions. So when we detect the lie in our minds—when our pulse increases and our blood pressure rises—we need to stop the lie in its tracks by speaking truth back to it.
I only have two semesters of classes left in my doctoral program. I know the end is near, but I have been feeling overwhelmed with required schoolwork for this semester. The lie is: “It’s too much work. You cannot get all of this completed in time.” While I am still fighting this lie, I am claiming Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength” (NIV). I also know the workload may be beyond my capability, but nothing is too great for God, so I am relying on His direction to show me how to get it all completed within an already busy schedule.
Is there a lie trying to prevent you from fulfilling a God-given purpose? Diffuse the lie by turning on your lie detector, and combat it through prayer and the truths found in the Word. Don’t let the father of lies win.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (Philippians 4:8, NIV).