Do you remember some of the things you heard as a kid that you didn’t question? Especially if you grew up in the 70s and 80s – or before. Definitely pre-internet. Many of us believed these were iron clad truths:

You need to wait an hour after eating anything before you go swimming or you’ll get cramps.

If you cross your eyes, they could get stuck permanently that way.

A healthy breakfast consisted of juice, milk, toast, and a bowl of sugar-coated cereal.

The vitamins are in the bread crust, so don’t peel it off.

Sitting too close to the TV could cause permanent eye strain.

Seatbelts are optional.

If you swallow gum, it takes 7 years to go through your digestive system.

Do any of these ring a bell? Please comment at the bottom with any I’ve left out.

Throughout our life journey, it seems easy to do this with our perception of how we relate to God. These false narratives can come from our own heads, loved ones, religious systems, traditions, “experts”. I’ve believed some of them, and have probably uttered several of them along the way. Guilt and shame are usually the fruit they bear because we can’t meet the standard.

Do any of these sound familiar?

Bible reading and prayer should be a certain length of time and amount. And they are best done in the morning. And, it is best to try and read at least one chapter of the Bible per day.

I need to be good enough or have my act together before I come before God.

When I meet with God, I should experience some type of breakthrough, answered prayer, or feel inspiration.

Prayers should have the correct wording and correct length.

God can only speak when you are silent, still, and quiet enough to listen.

Fortunately, we have The Bible as our source of truth and direction.

His Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119: 105). I might not always have an emotional surge when I read the Bible, and that’s all right.

Do not be anxious in anything, but by prayer and petition with thanksgiving – let our requests be made known to God (Philippians 4: 6-7). We don’t have to have the correct lengths and polished words. Plus, we’re not bothering God with our prayers.

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12: 9). In spite of my sins, shortcomings, and not having it all together – I have 24/7 access to God.

Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11: 28).

Here is an example in action: Thoughts are racing about a mistake I’ve made. Or the past haunts me. Maybe I can’t forgive myself for something stupid. Stop. Hit pause in my mind. Take a deep breath. Then, I replace the thoughts with the truth. Ruminate over and over again these correct messages in my head. It also helps to attach positive images and emotions to them. Like a favorite song, we can keep replaying them anytime those thoughts creep in. The thoughts start to lose their power. Here are a few great ones to get started:

As far is the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us (Psalm 103: 12).

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me (Psalm 51: 10).

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1: 6).

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” (Jeremiah 29: 11)

There can be no doubt God said these things.

Blessings,

Dave 🙂

P.S. Coming in a few months . . . the final Still Waters post . . .