1/22/2025

“…Is there not a lie [idol] in my right hand?” (Isaiah 44:20 NASB, 1995)

I had been making and chasing idols of all kinds, both tangible and intangible for many years. When I could no longer believe the lie of one idol, it lost its appeal and I cast it aside. But instead of turning to God I was always quick to find another and cling to it, the flash and appeal of a new lie I hadn’t yet tasted.

They were heavy. They were harmful. They led me to brokenness in so many ways.

This conversation was the beginning of the end of my idolatry:

“Mom had a stroke.” He said softly.

“Oh my God!” I reached my hand out, touching his arm comfortingly. The words that came next were unexpected.

“I may need to move back to help them out.” He said.

My eyes widened, taking in the implications of my then boyfriend (and the main breadwinner of our home) moving out of state.

“Well I won’t be moving if we’re not married!” I shot back as I recoiled.

“I didn’t say you had to.” Came the soft response. “Go or stay, that’s your choice, but I may need to go.”

Here was another idol, my relationship, being brought into the light, its deception crumbling. It was full of compromise and trial. My boyfriend was an alcoholic and we were both miserable. But I needed him. And I clung to him. I had found security in knowing I had someone who was committed to me, who would always be there for me. I knew my relationship was solid, until I realized it wasn’t.

I was living a lie. In a flash I realized I didn’t believe my status as girlfriend held the same rights and security as a wife. Our conversation proved just how fragile our commitment really was. Waking up from pretending was devastating. I had thought I could take God’s rules and discard them to build my own empire, my way. But God is a great King and the Creator of all things and His ways are not lightly cast aside without consequence.

“(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5 KJV)

Truth crumbles the castles and fortresses of the darkness, it changes perceptions and directions. Truth is the only lasting Cornerstone. When we’re groping our way through the darkness and suddenly stub our toe on the immovable unyielding truth, we can curse it for confronting us or we can embrace it and build on it. I had a long track record of cursing and stumbling and I was weary of it.

I let go of the idol, the lie, that was in my right hand. I humbled myself and asked real questions. Looked for real answers. I started attending a small Bible study. I wanted what was real and I wanted life. I found it in Jesus Christ.

“Lord, I’ve made such a mess. None of the things I chased after and held on to have taken me anywhere good. They have wounded and broken me and left me empty. My life is a wreck and it’s spinning out of control. If You’re willing, I give You all this broken mess and whatever is left of me. I bow before You as King. From here on out, I will follow You. No exceptions.”

That was the prayer I prayed in 2019. Since that time, I have since been increasingly living within the boundaries God created and has given us in His word. Living in the Light of fellowship with Him and with His people. The change He has wrought in my life is immeasurable.

Surrendering everything to Jesus resulted in the death of the old me and that was excruciating. But it resulted in new life. Abundant life. Peace. Fulfillment. Flourishing. I want that for you too.

Prayer and Reflection

Lord, reveal to us the deceptions, the lies, the idols we have unknowingly taken hold of and clung to. Let us be transformed by the truth of Your word and Your Son. We humble ourselves before you and seek You.

Friend, are there any idols, any lies, that the Lord has revealed to you? Is there any misplaced hope for fulfillment?

Will you cast it aside and build on the Rock, Jesus Christ? If you do, you will not be put to shame, for all your deeds will then be wrought in the Light.

The one who builds his life, his house, on the foundation that is Jesus builds an everlasting house. A thing both strong and beautiful, wrought of the Lord, that no storm of life or wind of change can tear down.

“Behold I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.” (Isaiah 54:11 KJV)