She runs quickly, opens the door, and slams it shut behind her. Safe again. While she waits for the trembling to stop, she consciously slows her breathing – deep breaths in and out. Slowly. Slowly. She doesn’t mind the lurking shadows at all.
Wounds. Deep penetrating wounds.
Mind-numbing.
Buried deep – so deep.
Safely hidden away where no one can see them. Forgotten.
Unexpectedly, a tiny ray of light penetrates the shadows. Quickly she looks away from the blinding light.
She tries to block out that light – to ignore it. Fear stabs her heart and mind.
But in that light she realizes once again she is caught in The Trap.
What is The Trap
“Any lie we willingly hold on to, believe unwaveringly, hide behind, and use to excuse our current behavior or unwillingness to change. Sometimes The Trap is forced upon us, but we’ve come to accept it as a safe place, a place where we can hide, a place where no one knows our true self. We climb into The Trap when we feel threatened, fearful, or exposed.”
You see, when you are comfortable in The Trap you aren’t looking to face the acute pain needed to break free of the awful thing. You are safely hidden inside The Trap where you believe no one can hurt you. Not. Ever. Again.
The problem is that you are hidden away. Hidden away from joy. Hidden away from love. Hidden away from life. The lies you listen to draw you deeper into The Trap. You are choosing to live in the shadows instead of in the sunlight.
Dr. Dan Allender, in his book The Wounded Heart, talks about the journey to break free from The Trap. He says, “…the path involves the risk of putting into words the condition of our inner being and placing those words before God for His response.” (page 18 The Wounded Heart)
We are filled with shame. “It is the terror that if our dark soul is discovered, we will never be enjoyed, nor desired, nor pursued by anyone.” (page 71 The Wounded Heart)
If you really knew me, you wouldn’t like me.
I believed this lie. I crawled into The Trap and made myself comfortable and the lies compounded. That’s the danger of The Trap. Once there, the lies build upon each other. The hurts whisper that what you’ve believed about yourself really is true. It is safer to hide away. Protect yourself at all costs. Don’t let anyone hurt you again.
But, The Trap is a slow death.
You cannot be fully alive inside The Trap. The world darkens. Your vision narrows.
What would happen if our true self were discovered? Is it worth the risk to face the acute pain?
The Bible tells us in Romans 8:1 “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” And “For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!” Ephesians 5:8 [emphasis mine]
The only way to destroy The Trap is to confront the lies. As you and I confront these lies — these insidious fears — the light reveals the truth. And the truth sets us free.
If you need to talk with someone, find a trustworthy friend or a counselor. Just do it. Confront The Trap of Lies that is holding you imprisoned. Yes, there will be acute pain. Yes, you will have to face the hurt that’s been long buried. Yes, you will have to confront the Lies to discover the Truth. But, the resulting lightness in your mind, heart, and soul is worth it.
Once light shines in darkness, there is no more darkness. Jesus said it this way, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” (John 1:5) and “…I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12) [emphasis mine]
Step into radical freedom. Experience joy like never before. Come fully alive by bringing hidden hurts, fears, and lies into God’s light. Forgiveness is yours for the asking. I know. I’ve experienced it.
“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32
Radically free in Jesus. Fresh air flooding over our face free. There is nothing to hide any longer.
Radically free in Jesus.
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