ROOTED RENEGADE

Gas lighting is a form of manipulation. It means to “manipulate (someone) using psychological methods into questioning their own sanity, memory, or powers of reasoning (dictionary.com)”.

It is a subtle but frequently used tactic by someone to gain the upper hand, be coercive, etc. and it is used to get you to agree to do something you wouldn’t normally do or to get you to stop doing something you know you are supposed to do.

When this giant comes against you, it can be hard to recognize at first. Especially when it they use someone you love. to do their bidding. Often it is presented like, “I probably know the answer to this already, but would you be willing to ______? I know you don’t really want to, but I sure would aprpeciate your help with it.”

Or how about, “If you have time, would you mind doing _______, but only if you have time. I don’t want to put you out.” 

Don’t hear what I am not saying. People will often use this tactic, not realizing that they are. Often the enemy uses us unaware and we must be very careful that we call out the right thing, not the person. That ‘s the point of deception – to keep you from being aware that you are being used by the enemy. And it’s very effective.

The agreement with this giant can cause many to tailspin emotionally and mentally. Playing through scenarios several times (rumination). While negative thoughts creep in that bring with it a negative attitude like someone using a buddy pass on an airplane.

Instead of negotiating the terms or even questioning the motive behind the ask (because there are also times the motive is not what we initially perceive it to be), we are left picking up the pieces of a puzzle that we didn’t spill on the floor.

The only way to face this giant, is through prayer. Allowing God to reveal the true motives and behind everything we face, including being gas lighted. If we try to deal with it in our own understanding, we may not hit the target. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

If we think we know something, we need to ask Holy Spirit to reveal the truth. We are not always right. And those who have experienced this form of manipulation, who have not fully healed, have a harder time perceiving the truth. It causes lack of trust, even in God, but especially in others.

He can help us not shut down a part of ourselves in self-preseveration or throw up walls in self-protection. Holy Spirit is more than able to help us see the truth and the true motives. So we must rely on Him so we don’t continue to battle this giant. Because once it can’t manipulate you anymore, it has been defeated.

I will end with this…giants can always be defeated. We just can’t continue to back down and cower. Walking in the authority we have been given, with boldness and courage, we can be like David slinging the rock at Golaith’s head.

So pick up the smooth stones and get to slinging! You got this!

Faythe