When you’re falsely accused
Have you ever been falsely accused? Has your good name been challenged?
Unfair accusations can wreck your credibility and destroy professional and personal relationships. They can also weaken your mental health each time you imagine what others might be thinking or saying about you.
Years ago someone I considered a dear friend let me bear the guilt for something she had done. Rumors abounded, even among my church friends. Although the incident happened a long time ago, I still remember how devastated I felt.
As I sought counseling and spent hours praying, reading my Bible, and memorizing and meditating on Scripture, I became confident that, one day, things would be okay. But I had formidable obstacles facing me.
Thankfully, Psalm 18:29 (ESV) says,
For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall.
- The first wall I had to scale was my own recklessness. I knew some of the choices I had made in the past contributed to the situation that brought me so much pain. In light of this, I asked God to forgive my lack of prudence.
This lack of prudence caused me to overinflate what others thought of me. Knowing I was still vulnerable to making foolish choices, I placed myself under the accountability of people I could trust. Even though it would be painful, I knew I had to break off all communication with those who endangered my wellbeing. Whenever I felt tempted to contact them, my accountability partners helped me stick to my resolve.
- The highest wall I had to scale was unforgiveness. To help gain victory over it, I prayed to forgive the friend who had betrayed my trust. It’s no coincidence that the more I learned how to extend mercy rather than repaying evil for evil (including in my thoughts), the more stable I became.
If you’ve experienced similar emotions, don’t let rejection, paranoia and unforgiveness destroy you. God’s grace can help you advance against any troop and leap over every wall.
And while we’re at it, let’s trust God to help us knock down some of those walls.
What do you think?
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Others might also benefit from your comment.)
- How can you apply Psalm 18 in your circumstances (past or present)?
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Wow! I know it’s the Holy Spirit, but it’s like you speaking DIRECTLY to me only! Thanks, Sheryl, for sharing the words I needed to hear to grow and become more stable.
Hi, FellowBeliever. It always amazes me how God will use His people to encourage one another. AND I LOVE IT every time He does it!
I’m glad my devotion ministers to you, FellowBeliever. I know God will continue to do His work in – and through – you.
Well cousin thank you for that. You are so well-spoken and always rounded with complete balance. I really enjoy your blogs and this one is especially special to me. As I struggle to feel love all the time and this is going to truly help me in my recovery and my new path. I have a lot of healing to do from hurtful and angry situation and or events hear it so thank you sweet cousin I am truly blessed because you’re my cousin I love you
I love you too, Linda. I sincerely pray for you to experience God’s grace and wisdom in your journey!
Being falsely accused is devastating. This also happened to Jesus. He got through it and we can too with God’s help!
Indeed. Jesus is truly our example.
Thank you, Barbara.
I’m thankful you got through that Sheryl and thankful for the powerful testimony you have because of it.
Thank you, Janie. I’m glad too! 😉 I remain thankful for God’s intervention in my life.