Many of us believe things to be true when they are actually based on a lie or false belief. A part of healing involves recognising false or ungodly beliefs and to replace them with God’s truth. Remember Satan is the father of lies and deceiver of all things (John 8:44) and Jesus is the source of all Truth and sent us His Spirit of Truth (John 14:6 & 17).
What is a False Belief?
A false belief is a twist in the truth or to believe something to be true when it isn’t. False beliefs may come from false teachings, inherited beliefs, negative experiences including traumas and fears. A fear is a False Evidence Appearing Real and is usually generated by lies and false beliefs.
How do we Deal with False Beliefs?
False beliefs usually present as negative thoughts (though not always), and we overcome by asking God for His Truth. Many times we assume something to be true but do not ask God for the truth. Human wisdom and understanding are not the same as God’s Wisdom and Revelation. Many people walk in freedom when they discover the hidden truth behind a false belief, whether it is about themselves, others, or God.
One way to practically overcome false beliefs is to write down the negative thoughts about yourself, others and God. Next, ask the Lord for His truth concerning each and then write down the truth below each one. We now have a choice – to hold on to the false belief or accept the truth and walk in freedom as we do.
We are not only sanctified by His Truth (John 17:17) but it is a weapon that sets our hearts and minds free from the lies and deception of the enemy. There was a lady who struggled with chronic fatigue syndrome and unable to do much. She tried to work things out through intellectualising everything rather than addressing her suppressed emotions. During a ministry session she saw herself in a dark pit. We asked the Lord what this pit represented and she had the words ‘unbelief’, ‘lies’, and ‘fears’. As we addressed each of these, she gave them to the Lord and then asked for His truth in exchange. After receiving His truth, she saw herself out of the pit and in the light. However, in order for her to stay healed she had to believe each truth and declare them daily, instead of defaulting back to the negative thoughts and false beliefs.
Are Facts the Truth?
Not all facts are the truth. Facts may change but the truth never changes. Many times false beliefs may be linked with a spirit of false judgement, false discernment and fault-finding. As we renounce these ungodly spirits we can ask for His Spirit of Truth and discernment in exchange.
There was a lady who believed many false things about herself after her daughter died of a chronic hereditary illness. She thought she was to blame for her illness and could have prevented her dying. When we asked the Lord for His truth, He revealed to her spirit that she was not to blame and did her best for her daughter. As she let go of her false guilt and negative thoughts, the heaviness lifted and she felt a peace.
A lady was about to get married when her husband-to-be decided to leave with no warning or contact. She had no idea where he had gone or why he did it and thought there must be something wrong with her. She developed many toxic thoughts and false beliefs about herself and God. How could God allow this to happen? As she wrote down each negative thought about herself and God, she received His truth and realised it wasn’t her fault. God had someone better for her as she saw things for the first time from His perspective.
Many who are abused may falsely believe that they are to blame and it was their fault. They carry a sense of shame, guilt and blame until they receive inner healing. Once they have forgiven the abuser and received divine cleansing, they realise the truth. More truths are received as they look into the eyes of Jesus and ask Him how He sees them and what He thinks about them.
One lady was abused, verbally and sexually as a child and believed she was bad, ugly, not wanted and carried much shame. As she gave Jesus each negative thought including the word-curses spoken over her, she asked for His truth. Joy filled her heart when He said she was wanted, precious, beautiful, valued, and discovered she was a daughter of the King.
One of the keys to freedom is to ask for the Truth, especially where there is any hurt, rejection, or trauma. Every false belief or negative thought can be handed to Jesus and be exchanged for His truth. The next step is to rewire our minds as we daily declare and live out these truths.
More teaching on ‘Unbelief & False Beliefs’ may be found in the book HEALING TOOLS, available on Amazon. www.amazon.com/author/drangelawalker (Ctrl and click).
Dr Angela Walker trained as a Paediatrician before God called her to the mission field with Iris Global where she encountered the healing power of God at work. Since her return to England she has written several books on healing and leads healing retreats, and is the Founder and Director of THEO Ministries.