🎙️ Step into a transformative conversation on “Thrive Podcast Network”: Episode 30 – Lies We Believe About God, hosted by Morgan May Treuil and Leslie Johnston. Unpack the heavy burden of shame and sin, and discover why our first instinct is to hide from God. Explore the misguided belief that God isn’t equally invested in everyone, and learn how small, seemingly unimportant moments can hold monumental significance as part of God’s greater plan. Morgan shares a personal struggle with feeling forgotten by God, while Leslie critiques the myth of the “waiting season,” advocating for the recognition of God’s work in everyday life.

This episode confronts deep-seated theological misconceptions and offers practical advice for realigning your faith with the true nature of God’s love and care. If you’ve ever felt distant from God or questioned His presence in your life, this is a must-listen. Don’t miss this enlightening and heartwarming discussion—it might just change your relationship with God forever!

Lies We Believe About God: Understanding His True Nature

In our spiritual journeys, the misconceptions we hold about God can distance us from experiencing His true love and grace. This week on the “Thrive Podcast Network,” we’re tackling “Lies We Believe About God,” specifically those that lead to unnecessary shame, feelings of neglect, and mistrust. By uncovering these lies, we hope to foster a more authentic and intimate relationship with the Divine.

The Human Response to Sin and Shame

One of the most pervasive lies we believe is that we need to hide from God when we sin. This response dates back to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Confronted with their transgressions, their first instinct was to cover themselves and hide. The overwhelming sense of shame told them they could no longer face God.

However, this lie keeps us isolated from the very relationship that can heal our brokenness. God’s true reaction to our shame isn’t condemnation but fatherly concern. When Adam and Eve sinned, God’s first response was to seek them out, not to punish them but to care for them. Recognizing this truth can be transformative. Understanding that God’s nature leans towards forgiveness and compassion frees us from the paralyzing grip of shame and invites us into a space of redemption and healing.

Feeling Forgotten: The Lie of Divine Neglect

Another damaging lie is the belief that God isn’t equally invested in everyone or that He has somehow forgotten us. This misconception often arises when we impose human limitations on God, forgetting His infinite capacity for care and attention.

It’s easy to feel lost or abandoned during what we might call “waiting seasons” in our lives. Yet, it’s essential to shift our focus from waiting for grand, visible signs of God’s work to recognizing His hand in our daily lives. Even in the smallest, seemingly insignificant moments, God is at work. Personal growth and developing a deeper relationship with Him during these times are just as vital as witnessing His grand interventions.

Practical Steps to Strengthening Our Relationship With God

Bringing Small Worries to God
One practical approach to overcoming feelings of divine neglect is to start by bringing our small worries and concerns to God. This simple act can help us witness His care and presence in our daily lives. Just as sharing everyday moments with friends strengthens our bonds, including God in the minutiae of life fortifies our relationship with Him.

Emanuel Journaling
A powerful practice to experience God’s voice more intimately is “Emanuel journaling.” This involves writing a letter from God to oneself, focusing on uplifting and encouraging words based on scripture. This exercise can counteract the harmful expectation of condemnation and help us attune to a more positive and loving understanding of God’s voice. Engaging in Emanuel journaling can be transformative, shifting our perspective towards how God perceives us and providing profound comfort and reassurance.

Trusting God With Everything

Building Trust Through Small Matters
Trusting God with small concerns helps build faith for larger issues. When we consistently include God in minor situations, we nurture a growing confidence in His faithfulness and care, no matter the challenge.

Addressing Misconceptions About God’s Nature
Understanding and addressing misconceptions about God’s nature is crucial. Through prayer and self-reflection, we can start to dismantle negative self-talk and align our understanding with how God views us. Involving the Holy Spirit in this process can provide wisdom and insight, creating a clearer and more accurate picture of God’s character.

Embracing God’s Forgiveness

Struggling With Self-Forgiveness
Often, the inability to forgive ourselves stems from not fully understanding God’s forgiving nature. Avoiding scripture out of fear of condemnation can limit us from experiencing the grace that lies within its pages.

Understanding Complete Forgiveness
Truly understanding God’s forgiveness is transformative. It helps us forgive ourselves and enables us to extend forgiveness to others. Knowing that God has already chosen to forget our sins frees us from the burden of guilt and shame, fostering a deeper sense of peace and acceptance.

By debunking lies about God and shedding light on His true nature, we can foster a more intimate and authentic relationship with Him. Recognize that God’s love and care are ever-present, even in the smallest details of our lives. Embrace this truth to strengthen your spiritual journey with renewed faith and confidence.