Rivers can freeze over during winter. With the approach of spring, the thick ice begins to melt. Chucks break off and try to float away, colliding with other chucks of ice. Jams can create icy dams, causing damage to surrounding land and property.
As temperatures continue to warm, the ice has to let completely go. The sounds of ice snapping, crashing, and grating can be deafening. The ground sometimes trembles as the ice breaks free.
This reminds me of what happens when lies break up.
Those of us who have experienced abuse, or have grown up in dysfunctional families, have often existed under the icy grip of childhood lies that still exert control over us, even in our adulthood.
Here are lies I believed: “Something is wrong with me. What happened is my fault. This wasn’t really that bad.” “I am the problem in my family. So and so is always right, and if I feel differently, I need to keep quiet, because I’m always wrong.” (Can you relate to any of these?)
The enemy of the soul is crafty at weaving together bits and pieces of truth and deception, subtly repeating lies until they sound like truth and form a thick layer of ice over the heart, preventing the flow of life.
Until we confront the lies we have believed, we remain “frozen” in that area of our life, even though years and maybe decades, have passed. We remain a victim, unwilling and unable to change, because of the strength of the lies frozen over us. Just as spring’s warmth and light begin to break up winter’s ice, so our lies also begin to break up when exposed to the warmth and light of truth.
Childhood lies that have become a part of our identity do not let go easily. The jagged edges catch and create “ice jams” of confusing emotions and feelings. There is danger that new lies may form and stop the thaw of the heart.
That is why living in community is so vital. When old lies try to gain new ground, others can reflect God’s light and truth into the chilly recesses of our hearts. The simplest acts of kindness or encouragement remind us that the old lies are simply that: lies.
In John 8: 31-32, Jesus instructs His followers to follow His teachings in order to know truth, and to find freedom. Lies let go when truth proclaims that we are loved by God. (John 3:16) We are created for a good purpose. (Jeremiah 29: 11-13) We not be abandoned. (Hebrews 13:5)
When our old ice jams of lies and false beliefs let go and truth springs into those areas that have been frozen, our very lives are shaken. We are being prepared for the season of growth and new life that always follows when winter gives way to spring.
(If the video player does not load, click here for ice moving action!)
What new season in your life does this video remind you of, or cause you to hope to experience?
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