Playing Old Tapes

Playing Old Tapes

You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

I was listening to a friend lament a hard situation she was facing. She and I had walked through many years of life together, and as she shared about her current situation, I heard some lies she’d believed long ago begin to resurface in response to what was happening now. I waited until she had a chance to finish, and then I stated, “I feel like these are old tapes being played again.”

She listened as I explained that it sounded like a lot of old lies were trying to rise up to deceive and discourage her. She nodded in agreement as she considered the thoughts she’d been having. She told me she could see that it was true, and that she didn’t want to go back to listening to old lies. Together we prayed for her current situation and for the truth to be evident.

Since that conversation, my friend has told me she often thinks of that phrase “playing old tapes” when she’s facing new challenges in life. It helps her to identify if she is reverting back to believing lies about life and God, or if she is combating them with what she knows to be true today.

The funny thing is, I didn’t even really think about what my words meant until they were already out of my mouth. Any understanding or wisdom my friend gained was from God, not me. One thing I do know: God often uses us to encourage and speak truth to one another in love. Jesus said that when we know the truth, it sets us free. Sometimes we see the truth for ourselves and sometimes we need friends to help us see it. Either way, that truth can lead to freedom in our lives.

— Kendra

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Encourage a friend who has been discouraged lately with the truth of who God is and the hope of his promises.