When Our Stories Lead Us Astray

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

How often can you recognize you have been telling yourself a story and that story is shaping your reactions more than the facts of what actually happened? I caught myself doing this just yesterday. I don’t start out thinking, “I’m going to fight for what I want, even if it’s not what God wants.” But the story in my head can cloud my thinking so deeply that I don’t even notice. This shows up in my marriage more than I’d like to admit. A simple conversation can quickly turn into defensiveness, offense, and withdrawal. Why? Because I’m stuck in the story I’ve created and I didn’t stop to clarify if it’s true.

This month we have talked a lot about the importance of having our stories straight… that is the stories we tell ourselves in our minds in every circumstance.

• We saw from 1 Samuel 21 that, while David felt the blame was his for the destruction of the priests and their family, God claimed He intentionally detained Doeg. (When God Detains the Details)
• We also in 1 Samuel 22 that the stories we tell ourselves often drive our emotions therefore we need to be intentional to speak truth and make them obedient to Christ. (Our Stories Drive Our Emotions)
• 1 Samuel 24 and 26 revealed that sometimes, while we can convince ourselves that the story we are telling is what God wants, God may actually be saying something else. (The Stories We Tell and the Mercy We Choose)

Title: When Our Stories Lead Us Astray

Reading: 2 Samuel 3

Key Verse: 2 Samuel 3:10, 30 — “I’m going to take Saul’s kingdom and give it to David…” “Joab and Abishai killed Abner because Abner had killed their brother…”

Scripture Insight:

I want to finish this series, in 2 Samuel 3. This chapter begins with Ishbosheth accusing Abner of betrayal. Whether true or not, Abner feels undervalued and lashes out—“Is this my reward?” He switches allegiance to David, declaring he’ll help fulfill what God has promised. God is at work, even through offense and accusation.

Then Joab hears of David’s meeting with Abner. His story? Abner is a spy and a murderer. Fueled by revenge and mistrust, Joab deceives and kills Abner—unable to believe change is possible.

Two men. Two stories. One God at work.

Jesus taught that our treasure shapes our heart, and our heart shapes our behavior (Matt. 6:19–24). Paul Tripp reminds us: “The things we set our hearts on never remain under our control.… they capture, control, and enslave us.” When our stories begin to control us, they reveal what we treasure most. Left unchecked, they distort our view of others and of God.

Application:

• Examine the story you’re telling yourself.
• Ask: What do I treasure most in this moment?
• Make your thoughts obedient to Christ (2 Cor. 10:5).
• Trust that God is working, even when the story feels unfair.

Prayer:

Lord, help me see clearly. When my story clouds my judgment, bring me back to Your truth. Help me make you my treasure, and let my actions reflect Your grace.

Reflection Questions:

• What story are you telling yourself right now?
• Is it rooted in truth or emotion?
• What treasure is driving your reaction?
• How can you make your thoughts obedient to Christ today?