How Is It Helpful to Admit Stress Exists?

Stress is inescapable, especially in the presence of unexpected crises. While you may not choose stress, you choose your response. Overreacting with anger is a common reaction that can negatively impact your physical and emotional health. Migraine headaches, high blood pressure, and stomach problems can be caused by stress.

Children can be the source of immeasurable stress as they react to the pressures of life. Problem children cause stress for teachers because they interfere with the teaching plans for the class. Admitting to the existence of problems created by stress and accepting responsibility for solutions are steps for reducing stress.

Don’t be hesitant to talk with trusted family members and friends when pressures from stress begin building up. Listen to sound advice from professionals. Seek out fellowship with believers and ask for prayer. Believe that God is the source of your supply for help and intervention. 

Believe God cares for you and will send help.                     

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You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity.  

~Philippians 4:19-20 The Message

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What Causes Stress to Get Out of Bounds?

Stress is the product of a hurried, rushed lifestyle. My grandmother’s favorite quip for being stressed out was that she had “too many irons in the fire”. What she meant was that she needed a break from the stress and pressure she was experiencing. She realized it was her responsibility to make some needed changes.

Stress can produce impatience, irritability, even depression, when the pressures of life become overwhelming. Catching up at work or school may appear impossible when stress becomes intolerable. Whatever causes prolonged stress and anxiety, self-defeating thoughts and behaviors create even more stress.

A better strategy for stress management is to ask yourself, “Is what I’m doing honorable to God? If I am ‘God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which he prepared in advance’ for me to do, then I will focus on that promise.” 

Whatever God gives you to do, he will enable you to do it in a way that honors him.  

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May this God of peace prepare you to do every good thing he wants. May he work in us through Jesus Christ to do what is pleasing to him.

~Hebrews 13:21 God’s Word Translation

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Is Stress Management Worthwhile?

The cutting edge of stress is unavoidable, but it does not have to be overwhelming. Stress can be managed by taking immediate action when it is insignificant rather than waiting until it has gotten out of bounds. Highly stressful situations usually demand an immediate and intelligent response.

Some folks thrive on high levels of stress while others become overwhelmed if high stress levels must be tolerated for any significant time. One anti-stress technique is to periodically check what your expectations are of yourself to determine if they are in line with what others expect of you.

You do not have to be perfect to be acceptable, but you do have to be responsible for your choices. Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 offers these thoughts: “The end of a matter is better than the beginning and patience is better than pride. Keep your temper in control to prevent harboring a grudge.” Is it time to refocus, to have a reality check to see your situation from God’s perspective?

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So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on the things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
~2 Corinthians 4:18 New Living Translation 

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What Role Does Strife Play in Creating Stress?

Strife causes stress, whether a current experience or a future possibility. Strife can be defined as conflict, discord or dissension between individuals or isolated within your emotional self. Stress creates mental and physical tension, ranging from minor to severe, depending on each person’s perception of a situation.

One way to manage stress caused by strife is to negotiate a solution to whatever caused the conflict. 

Genesis 13 tells how Abraham initiated a settlement between himself and his nephew Lott. “Let us end the quarrel between us, for we are brothers. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right.”

Abraham offered a positive choice that could not be rejected. His faith in God was strong and mature, so he knew God would bless him for settling the dispute. This is a positive way to manage stress and reduce harmful strife. Believe right now that God will bless you abundantly for following the same method.  

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Abram said to Lott, “Let us not have fighting between us…After all, we’re family. Look around. Isn’t there plenty of land out there? Let’s separate. If you go left, I’ll go right; if you go right, I’ll go left.” 

~Genesis 13:8-9 The Message

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How Can Stress Be Good for You?

Stress management is what every person attempts to do each day. Infants who feel stress have a way of the alerting parents or caretakers to their discomfort. Stress continues to be an issue at every phase of life since society is continuously changing and will generate feelings of fear and uncertainty.

Yet change can be challenging, even helpful, if hope for the future is built on faith in God’s promises. So stress can be good when it promotes a healthier lifestyle plus serves as motivation for trusting God’s purpose for your future. Life is not easy, but if you actually expect God to intervene, your faith will be your security.

There are individuals who believe all stress is bad because of the ways it affects their thinking and feelings. One way to reduce stress is to redefine your life based on God’s purpose for you. 

Can you say, “God knows every detail of my choices and still approves of my life?” If not, make the necessary changes so he will approve.          

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He has saved and called us to a holy life not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.

~2 Timothy 1:9 New International Version

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Is God Interested in Where You Fit In Socially?

It’s perfectly normal for parents to see their infants as exceptionally gifted. The family can, however, become a prime source of stress for a child when parents are inordinately focused on achievements rather than loving each child for who they are and what they are becoming.

Status-seeking is often loaded with stress, especially when parents depend on their children to fit in socially. The older a child, the more important it is that the child fits in with a particular group. Social status continues to be a source of stress due to our competitive nature. We measure up if we’re accepted into certain groups.

Yet, God’s word warns about thinking of yourself as being above others, which conveys social striving. 

Knowing that Jesus loves you and all others unconditionally should reduce this striving. God’s love compels you to love and accept others regardless of their social position. Because God loves his creation unconditionally, we are all precious in his sight. 

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[Jesus said,] “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.”

~Luke 13:24  English Standard Version

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Is Status-seeking Through Children Harmful?

Parents want their children to be successful, which may translate into status for the parents. Status-seeking surfaces early in life, often prompted by parents. Status is defined by how well you measure up compared to others in a particular social group. Status most often aligns with what is possible rather than what is out-of-bounds.

A Little League boy or girl would not try to measure up to a major league baseball hero, but with others in that age group. Imagine a seven-year-old becoming despondent over failing to throw a baseball as fast as a major league pitcher! That would be like you comparing your finances to Bill Gates’ finances.

Seeking status through a child can set the child up for a lifetime of hardships. God’s word encourages parents to bring up a child according to their temperament, personality, and talents. This will enhance their chances for success as an adult. Status is becoming the person God intended for you to become.          

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Do not conform yourself to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God – what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect…So we are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace God has given to us.

~Romans 12:2,6 Good News Bible

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Are Comparisons Detrimental to your Well-Esteem?

Comparisons are difficult, if not impossible, to avoid. Parents compare their children to other children’s performances, especially in athletics and academic achievements. Siblings compare themselves with each other, especially in terms of parental approval. Comparing who you are and what you are was initiated by God’s first family.

Cain and Abel, sons of Adam and Eve, set the stage for the rest of humanity to follow throughout the ages. Cain became jealous because Able presented a more acceptable offering to God, so he lured his brother to an isolated place and murdered him there.

The sad truth about comparisons is that you diminish yourself by overlooking the gifts and talents God has given to you. You are unique in God’s perception, and that truth can bring you security and peace when you forbid comparisons to take place. 

God told the Christians at Corinth to stop comparing themselves to each other because it stole their joy. So give thanks to God for what you have and are.                               

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We don’t dare to…compare ourselves with some of those who speak highly of themselves, but when they measure themselves by their own yardstick and compare themselves with themselves, they don’t show good sense.

~2 Corinthians 10:12 Beck – New Testament in the Language of Today

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Can Self-deception Be Overcome?

When I first began to read the Bible, one of the many words I had trouble understanding came from John 1:47. While Jesus was assembling his disciples, Philip found Nathanael and brought him to Jesus. As soon as Jesus saw Nathanael he declared, “Here is a true Israelite in whom there is no guile.”

Guile actually refers to deceit or deception. It means lacking in honesty, deliberately lying to cover personal flaws and failures so others will only see what is acceptable. Everyone is afflicted with a touch of guile, if only in a moment of vulnerability, but for some people it’s a serious disability.

Fortunately, God provides help to fight against duplicity when there is a willingness to face the truth about failing to live up to God’s expectations. 

He knows you and everything about you and still loves you. Now that’s the perfect motivation for loving God and committing your life to him. Do that now. It will last a lifetime.  

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Jesus saw Nathanael coming towards him and remarked, “Now here is a true man of Israel; there is no deceit in him!”

~John 1:47 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English

 

The Lord hates liars but is pleased with those who keep their word.

~ Proverbs 12:22 Good News Bible

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Can You Escape from a Life of Duplicity?

When my children were in middle school, a keen sense of rivalry existed for who could hurl the most stinging insults and put-downs. It was crucial never to show hurt feelings, even when insults cut to the bone.  The sad fact was, some children had to live a life of duplicity – feeling a certain way but acting contrary to that feeling.

Not only did these children have to be shrewd in dishing out insults, but in projecting strength that was above being put down. The objective was to disguise hurt feelings. Thank God this behavior tapered off following middle school but, for some, it served as training for living a life of duplicity.

While these insults were issued in humor by some children, humor can be treacherous. So be careful when you throw stones, for they may inflict pain that never heals. Isaiah 53:9 portrays Jesus as having no deceit or malice. So follow his lead and permit kindness and gentleness to replace all malice and deceit.               

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[Jesus] died without a thought for his own welfare, beaten bloody for the sins of his people…even though he’d never hurt a soul or said one word that wasn’t true. 

~Isaiah 53:9 The Message

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What Causes Generosity to Fail?

I recently observed a confrontation between two adults over a parking space at a medical complex. Both drivers had been waiting for the occupant to vacate the space. The one who deserved the space took possession, but the other person became angry and threatened violence with insulting words and gestures.

The issue ceased to be needing a parking place but transformed into defending one’s personal rights and being threatened by another person’s outrage. As the issue became distorted in this emotional environment, the ability to think rationally evaporated, which opened the door for displaced aggression.

I wonder what the outcome would have been if the one who was in the right had generously given the space to the other person. Remember these words of generosity? “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only son and whoever believes in him will not perish but will have eternal life.” God’s blessings and personal satisfaction come from being generous.

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This is how we know what love is: Christ gave his life for us. We too, then, ought to give our lives for others! If we are rich and see others in need, yet close our hearts against them, how can we claim that we love God? My children, our love should not be just in words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action.

~1 John 3:16-18 Good News Bible

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Can Self-deception Be Avoided?

Self-deception becomes a major player in your life when you convince yourself it’s acceptable to engage in behaviors that betray a code of conduct honored by God and society. Betraying spiritual boundaries and Christian values to satisfy the desires of the heart should result in guilt and shame.

Self-deception is pervasive, whether it’s defined as insignificant or atrocious. Does God care what you think or do as long as you accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord? Galatians 6:3 issues this warning: “If anyone thinks he is something when he is not, he deceives himself. Each should test his own motives and actions.”

Listen to the truth of God’s word from Jesus: “Broad is the way that leads to destruction…but narrow is the way that leads to life.” God’s desire is that you face the truth and live within that truth. You are not alone in this difficult task. The Holy Spirit will strengthen and guide you as you commit yourself to continuously live for him. 

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Always do what the Word says; don’t merely listen to it and so deceive yourselves.

~James 1:22 Beck – New Testament in the Language of Today

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Will the Power of God's Grace Disable Duplicity?

The tendency toward deception is a problem even the strongest Christians must struggle against. When confronted with situations that are embarrassing, denying wrongdoing or admitting failure in morals and character is common practice. Large corporations pay out huge sums to settle lawsuits, while denying wrongdoing.

This prevailing mindset bows to deception as an effective means of functioning in society. However deception damages integrity, creates guilt, and may become emotionally habitual or a common way of life.

Living with deception fosters a way of life tainted by duplicity, which is dangerous. Listen to Proverbs 11:3, “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” Though sin may have gained a foothold in your life, God’s grace is greater, more powerful than sin’s stronghold. God is persistent in guiding you away from evil and toward Jesus Christ and his righteousness. 

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When Christ died, he died for sin once and for all. But now he is alive and lives only for God. In the same way, you must think of yourselves as dead to the power of sin. But Christ Jesus has given life to you, and you live for God. Don’t let sin rule your body. After all, your body is bound to die, so don’t obey its desires.

~Romans 6:10-12 Contemporary English Version

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How Can You Face Satan's Deception?

Deception has been an intricate part of the human experience since the beginning. Satan deceived Adam and Eve with daunting questions and shrewd dialogue.

Listen to Satan’s question in their conversation: “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’” Eve replied, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat from the tree that is in the middle of the garden; you must not touch it, or you will die.’” Satan responded, “You will not surely die, for God knows that when you eat it, you will be like him knowing good and evil.”

Most individuals know when they are being deceived but become vulnerable to evil by hesitating to react. Listen to Jeremiah 7:4, “Do not listen to deceptive words.” Turn and walk away or the consequences will  become a lifelong burden. 

Remember this promise from God, “Resist Satan and he will flee from you.” When facing deception, call upon Jesus Christ, for he is your source for deliverance from evil. 

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And forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us. Don’t bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One.

~Matthew 6:12-13 The Living Bible

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How Do We Overcome the Tendency Toward Deception?

Suspicion is often linked to someone’s deception or hidden secrets. Listen to Jesus from Luke 12:2-3: “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, for every secret will be made known. Whatever has been covered up will be uncovered.” Jesus is obviously referring to everyone.

Each person has a proclivity for being deceptive, whether mentally, behaviorally, or even spiritually. However, it’s ultimately our choice to take responsibility for our failures by permitting God to redeem us. When we are reminded of our secrets, it will be the still, small voice of God prompting us to face the consequences. 

The tendency toward deception is strong, but the good news is, God has given you self-control, which is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Self-control will restrain the impulse to step outside of what is acceptable to God. Trust in his goodness and mercy to supply you with guidance, for he is faithful and trustworthy to help.  

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[Jesus Christ] offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness.

~Titus 2:14 The Message

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Is Help Available to Overcome Painful Consequences?

Few things are more disturbing emotionally than suspicion because joy and peace of mind are threatened. Suspicion is bonded to betrayal, whether real or imagined, for everyone tends to hide certain aspects of their behavior and personality that are disconcerting.

We are now conditioned to expect cover-ups and deceitfulness from those who serve us politically, as Jeremiah 17:9 explains, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” Deceit and secrets are a choice, as are truth and honesty.

Jeremiah 17:10 offers hope for reconciliation: “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind to reward a man [or woman] according to his [or her] conduct.” God provides helpful opportunities for openness and honesty, so new beginnings become possible, including hope and strength for facing painful consequences of past choices and behavior. He is a God of forgiveness and reconciliation. 

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Then submit to God. Resist the devil and he will run away from you. Come close to God and he will come close to you.

~James 4:7-8 Beck – New Testament in the Language of Today

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How Can Lying Eyes Learn to Speak Truth?

There are secrets that are detrimental to oneself and others. These secrets arouse suspicion and distrust because they can’t be completely suppressed or hidden. Shame and guilt are impossible to conceal completely because subtle changes in attitudes and behaviors are apparent.

Human beings try to deceive with their eyes. The eyes are said to be the window to the soul for others to see and question. Being deceptive makes the eyes appear shut to the scrutiny of those searching for the truth. John Steinbeck wrote, “Lying eyes are impossible to hide.”

When feeling suspicious, ask God for insight and patience. Wait for details to confirm or disprove what is feared to be true. Fear is overcome by truth and mercy and by trusting God to bring positive good and needed change from what appears hurtful and painful. Jesus proclaimed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Jesus delivers security in times of insecurity.   

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Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.

~Psalm 86:11-12 New International Version

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What Prevents Us from Facing the Truth about Ourselves?

The majority of individuals know what it’s like to experience the cutting edge of suspicion. It cuts deep and drains the heart of joy and peace. What was once predictable and trustworthy can become inundated with uncertainty, resulting in worry and insecurity.

Behaving in hurtful, reckless ways will bring unimaginable consequences that stress the body and mind. Hosea 8:7 issues this warning: “Sow the wind and reap the whirlwind.” When a relationship is abused through neglect or distrust, the end result will be an empty, hollow life.

Yet, sincerely turning away from sin to face God and the truth brings strength to endure whatever must be faced. God does not desire to punish through the whirlwind, but it’s impossible to prevent consequences from running their course. His forgiveness and mercy replace guilt and the darkness of suspicion and mistrust to make way for a new beginning with God and others.

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Why then should we, mere humans as we are, murmur and complain when punished for our sins? Let us examine ourselves instead, and repent and turn again to the Lord. Let us lift our hearts and hands to him in heaven.

~Lamentations 3:39-41 The Living Bible

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How Can Suspicion Poison the Mind?

Suspicion creates and prolongs distrust, which can become so disconcerting that it seems everything is in disarray and unpredictable. Where suspicion exists, anxiety hovers like a vulture hovering over a dead animal. While suspicion is unnerving and creates fear, it may fall short of facts to prove its case.

William Shakespeare noted in his play Henry the Eighth: “Suspicion haunts the guilty mind.” Mankind’s shortcomings can hover like a dark cloud, especially when those shortcomings are responsible for behaviors which jeopardize relationships that should be nurtured and cherished.

Thomas Paine, the American Revolutionary War hero, wrote: “Suspicion is the companion of troubled souls and poison to the mind.” 

Suspicion must be confessed to the Lord God to cleanse the body, mind, and spirit of its darkness. Darkness is banished by light, and Jesus is the light of the world. In him is no darkness.  

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His life is the light that shines through the darkness – and the darkness can never extinguish it.

~John 1: 5 The Living Bible

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What Is the Purpose of Confronting Suspicion?

Suspicion arises when there are misgivings about another person’s intentions or a situation that is questionable. Suspicion is a primitive instinct necessary for survival in a world without protection from predators. If suspicions were ignored, there might not be a second chance to consider one’s options.

It’s not that a person should become paranoid and permit fear and anxiety to dominate their lives, for then peace would no longer be possible. Suspicion does have positive attributes. For instance, if a teenager’s grades drop and irritability takes the place of patience, then this could be a warning that an unacceptable change has taken place.

Suspicion must be confronted, not with anger and rage, but with evidence, which takes patience and faith. 

Truth and faithfulness are the foundation blocks for all relationships including our relationship with God. Truth and faithfulness are attributes of God which he instills in us to defeat suspicion.  

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Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.  

~1 Corinthians 13:4-7 New Living Translation

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What Is the Root of Suspicion?

Have you noticed how secrecy gives birth to suspicion? Teenagers are known for keeping their thoughts and activities secret, which may cause parents to be concerned. Considering a person’s age, privacy should be respected except where suspicion and lack of trust are legitimate. Most individuals know instinctively when trust has been violated.

If privacy cannot be trusted, suspicion will rule the heart and mind. When suspicion is expressed in a belittling way, it will invariably create more secrecy. 

Suspicion creates anxiety that will eventually disappear when the truth is portrayed in straight-forward dialogue that is believable.

It’s important to prevent suspicion from getting out of hand. C. S. Lewis warns that suspicion creates what it suspects. Consider this truth: 'The mind can suspect deceit without good cause,' so be sure you know the truth. Listen to God’s word: “Trust in the Lord and do good … and he will give you the desires of your heart.”  

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Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.  

~Ephesians 4:32 The Message

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How Can Revealing Shameful Secrets Free You?

What helped America and our allies win World War II was their deciphering Germany and Japan’s secret military codes. During the decades of the Cold War, one of America’s best kept secrets was the B2 stealth bomber, constructed from materials that made it impossible for radar to detect.

Personal secrets can be detrimental to relationships and to emotional and physical health. Stories abound of children sworn to secrecy by a predator who had violated them. When a seven-year-old revealed to her mother that a teenage cousin had been molesting her for three years, the mother refused to believe her.

Reporting this shameful secret to the authorities was painful, but necessary to ensure that healing would be sought. God will create a time and place for secrets to be revealed so healing can move forward. He provides courage and determination for you to be free from the shackles of secrets. God is worthy of your trust, and his love will never fail you. 

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He sends light to places dark as death.

~Job 12:22 Good News Bible

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Does Exposure of Secrets Free the Heart and Soul?

Since the beginning of creation God’s mysteries and secrets have continued to be revealed, including how each person is in so many ways a profound mystery. Deuteronomy 29:29 reminds us that God shares his secrets. “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and our children forever.”

Secret-keeping is a human trait that can be a blessing or a tragedy. Children who have a best friend love to share secrets. These harmless secrets may bond their friendship for life. However, some secrets become a prescription for self-defeating behaviors or even disaster.

Secrets that become heavy on the heart and soul may invariably interfere with achieving God’s intended purpose. The remedy for self-defeating secrets is to confess them to God or a trusted friend. Exposure to the cleansing light of Jesus Christ destroys the dark power of secrets that creates separation from God and others.  

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Whatever is hidden away will be brought out into the open, and what is covered up will be found and brought to light.

~Luke 8:17 Good News Bible

But if we live in the light – just as he is in the light – then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from every sin.

~1 John 1:7  Good News Bible

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How Does the Power of Secrets Dominate Your Life?

Human beings are exceptionally capable of creating problems and adversities that have long-term consequences. So much is publicized about the lives of celebrities since it’s impossible to hide from long-range camera lenses and the paparazzi’s investigative skills. However, most of our secrets are not subjected to this type of scrutiny.

Secrets have the potential to become destructive when saturated with guilt and shame, which then demand concealment from family and friends. The possibility of discovery creates heart-piercing anxiety about the truth getting exposed to the light for everyone to see.

An important blessing of life is knowing that our deepest, darkest secrets cannot be hidden from God. Listen to Psalm 90:8. “You, O God, have set our inequities before yourself. Our secret sins exist in the light of your presence.” When you realize that God knows your secrets, confess them and repent so he will forgive you and give you peace. 

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For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light.  

~Mark 4:22-23 New Living Translation

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What Must Change to View Adversity as a Blessing?

What strategy do you use to contend with adversity? Most of our troubles are manageable, requiring only minor adjustments to our lifestyle. Untethered frustration has the tendency to evolve into anger, which opens the door to behaviors that may wound for a lifetime.

If there are no witnesses to the cause of the frustration, we may suppress our angry words and behaviors out of embarrassment and shame, but they can remain forever in our memory. The damaging effect of most secrets is that they conceal guilt, shame, and fear, which over time play a major role in damaging self-esteem and peace of mind.

Whether or not adversity evolves into frustration depends on how it’s  perceived. When frustration is perceived as an opportunity to rethink what God’s purpose could be and how you fit into that purpose, then frustration be can a blessing. This attitude is advantageous because it permits the Lord God to direct your thoughts and behavior.

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My troubles turned out all for the best – they forced me to learn from your textbook. Truth from your mouth means more to me than riches.

~Psalm 119:71-72 The Message

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Is All Secret-keeping Destructive?

Although it’s impossible to avoid adversity, we often try to keep it a secret. It’s not that a secret should be shared indiscriminately, for doing so could make you appear untrustworthy. When adversity is accepted as deserved and guilt results, then concealment may follow to avoid embarrassment.

There may be initial feelings of excitement about what has to be kept secret, making it appear attractive. Proverbs 9:17 speaks of this truth: “Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious.” The implications  suggest that deception and sin may appear sweet and beautiful, but a secret’s dark side can be evil and destructive.

Not all secrets produce undesirable consequences, however. Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:3 to give secretly to the needy, for God sees and will reward you. This applies to praying with the door closed, for God hears and will answer. These secrets bring peace, comfort, and God’s blessings.  

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For God will judge every deed, including every secret, whether good or evil.

~Ecclesiastes 12:14 International Standard Version

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Why Is It So Difficult to Love Others?

Each person eventually comes up against the cutting edge of adversity. I recently read these provoking words: “The problems of living are always centered on reconciling opposites.” Problems surface as a result of personality clashes or differences in experiences, values, or opinions.

Reinhold Niebuhr presents this truth: “The real problem…lies in the fact that we ought to love one another, but we do not.” Loving one another demands that we look deep into ourselves and to the Lord God to find solutions to problems each person can appreciate and accept.

Problems unaddressed are like a splinter broken off under the skin. The constant throbbing torments the body, mind, and spirit. Perhaps it’s time to ask the Lord Jesus Christ, “What do I need to address within myself that prevents me from loving others?” Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, ‘Love one another as much as I have loved you.’” Being closer to God requires submitting to Jesus’ command. 

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But it really is a new commandment, and you know its true meaning, just as Christ does. You can see the darkness fading away and the true light already shining. If we claim to be  in the light and hate someone, we are still in the dark. But if we love others, we are in the light, and we don’t cause problems for them.

~1 John 2:8-10 Contemporary English Version

 

The righteous call to the Lord, and he listens; he rescues them, from all their troubles. 

~Psalm 34:17 Good News Bible

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Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.