Familiar Stories

“Since they refuse to trust truth, they're banished to their chosen world of lies and illusions.” (2 Thessalonians 2:12 MSG)

The stories we tell ourselves are not always true. We make up narratives based on our experiences and observations. Much of this is made up in our minds even before we are fully mature. Every day we get new data. However, we usually accept information that supports our narrative arc, while disregarding anything that doesn’t. Here’s an example: A person who might have suffered in the past may construct a storyline for her entire life based on victimization. She sees herself as the tragic heroine who is always being harmed or exploited. Every day she might encounter good people who are helpful and kind. But she dismisses these incidents as insignificant, because they don’t fit the narrative that she has created. Yet, if someone unintentionally hurts her feelings, she will add that as evidence to her existing story. We want our stories to make sense, so we grab on to anything that supports our  long-held theories and prejudices, even when they are not true.

Compartmentalization is often a defense mechanism. It allows us to dismiss new information when it conflicts with our existing beliefs. We pretend that certain discoveries are only applicable in limited circumstances. Denial is just a euphemism for lying to ourselves. When we refuse to accept truth, we exile ourselves into a land of delusions. We voluntarily go down the path of destruction. We entomb ourselves in familiar, yet false stories rather than embracing truth.

Lord, may we trust and accept truth, even when it leads to uncertainty and discomfort.