Tag Archives: Ann Voskamp

Let Go of the Lie!

Ann Voskamp wrote a most relevant essay, Let Go of the Lie. In it she relates vignettes from childhood that grew up into adulthood. And they all began with a lie that she believed. You and I can relate to that.

We have been subjected to lies ever since the serpent twisted the truth in the garden with his first lie: “Did God really say…” One question and the seed of doubt is planted, ready to take root if we let it, ready to destroy our life or at least steal our joy. Throughout our lives we have confronted lies about ourselves:
You are not good at anything.
You’re not smart enough.
You’re ugly.
You are not worthy.
You’re damaged goods.
Nobody likes you.

And we’ve been surrounded by lies about the nature of the world, the purpose of our lives, and the character of God. Voskamp says, “There can be lies about ready to poison you wherever you turn.” Bite into the lie and it bites back, injecting poisonous venom into the mind. “The truth will set you free.” Ah yes, but only if we believe it and apply it to our lives. You can not be free by holding on to a part of the truth and all of a lie.

Voskamp advocates, “Turn around and shake off that snake
Because its head’s been long crushed, no — pulverized.
So, for the sake of God and you still breathing with time—- let go of the lie.”

We have to know the truth to recognize the lie. Lies melt in the face of truth. Their venom becomes harmless. “Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?” Isaiah 44:20

“The bottom line, Lie-Crushing Truth is simply this:
I am loved … because I am chosen by Jesus.
I am known … because I am named by Jesus.
I am fearless … because I am safe in Jesus.
I am brave … because I am always with Jesus.” (Voskamp)

What lies do you face? Learn what the Truth says about them. Repeat it, out loud if you need to.

Shake off the snake.
Let go of the Lie.