The Problem of Denial

Denial can be a choice not to face the truth of sin or inner wounding. The issues of life often cause deep pain and shame, so we try to minimize the discomfort in various ways, including denial. It can seem beneficial to disconnect with the reality of a wounded heart by convincing ourselves that the damage was nothing, it didn`t hurt, it hasn`t affected us, it`s forgotten and it doesn`t need God`s healing. We can also do something similar with the sinful choices and the guilty feelings from the past, justifying ourselves or denying the fact of wrongdoing.

You can put unwanted cheese into a kitchen cupboard, close the door and pretend it`s not there. Such denial may be successful for a few weeks or even months, but eventually, and inevitably, the cheese will make itself known by the smell around the house. It is similar with the denial of sin or pain. The odour of the past will eventually pollute the life of today.

There are also many dysfunctional behaviours, such as eating disorders and addictions, usually rooted in inner distress, that are particularly prone to denial, because of shame. Many an alcoholic has convinced himself for years that he does not have problem, until some trauma causes the truth to be faced. At an extreme we can even deny the truth of our relationship with Jesus, like Peter did through his fear of those who were in opposition to the Lord.

Denial never calms nor heals the hurting heart. It simply hides issues in the dark and allows spiritual mould to grow, fed by the father of lies. In contrast, allowing Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life, to pay for the cost of our sin, and carry the weight of unhealed pain, is the true route to lasting peace.

Prayer: Father, do I need to get real about some `cheese` in the cupboard and let Your truth and grace clear the air?