We all have beliefs that are shaped by our childhood. Some are true; others are false. Dr. Glenn Pickering calls those “fables.” He joins Bill Arnold in studio to talk about how to recognize God’s truth in the midst of your fables and fully trust in who He says you are.
“The problem with fables is that when it comes to drawing conclusions, we draw extreme conclusions.” Glenn also points out that we attach those fables to ourselves. These start at young ages and follow us into adulthood. He shares his own experience being raised with five siblings. Being painfully shy and often overlooked, his conclusion was “it really doesn’t matter that I’m here.”
God had to dismantle this lie by bringing Scripture and the healing power of Jesus’ words into his life.
How can we start to figure out our “fable”? Glenn lists some steps.
1. Listen for the thought that goes through your mind that is black-and-white or overly simplified.
2. Watch for the wave of emotion that comes with that thought.
3. The sentence starts with “I.”
Glenn and Bill explore some examples of common fables.
“I have to do everything myself.”
“I’ll always be alone.”
“I always ruin everything.”
“I’m not worth it.”
Glenn shares how to renew your mind.
“Every fable is based on a conditional way of thinking. Watch the pattern. The goal is for that thought to never have power over you again.”
Glenn also urges us to turn to others and start investing in them. Loving others has a way of taking our focus off the lie and putting the focus onto the person near us who needs help and love.
Glenn also calls us to be second responders – when the fable flies through our mind, immediately follow it with Scripture and prayer.
Key Scriptures: John 18:38; John 8:32; Proverbs 3:5-6
Featured Songs: Same Power by Jeremy Camp; On Our Side by Lincoln Brewster; Strength of My Heart by Rend Collective
