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September 10, 2013
Condemning Thoughts |
"He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." John 8:44b (NIV)
Do you ever question if you are good enough? Are you more likely to dwell on what's wrong with you than what's right?
One day I realized I was scrutinizing myself to find out what my problem was. The more I picked myself apart, the more it dawned on me another voice was egging me on: the voice of the enemy, Satan. As I listened to his lies, they zapped my sense of worth and security.
For a long time, I didn't recognize the enemy for who he was. The negative thoughts and deceitful suggestions simply sounded like my own voice.
The Bible opens with a serpent slithering into the lives of Adam and Eve. This snake is also known as Satan, and he filled their heads with lies they believed. Lies which separated them from God. From the start, Satan’s goal has been to trick and deceive. John 8:44b tells us "He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." This liar also tempted Jesus. He was always ready though, with the Word of God, to defeat the evil one.
We too can have this weapon in our arsenal. As we fill our hearts and minds with Truth, we can defeat the lies we tell ourselves, and the lies Satan whispers in our thoughts.
When I compare my negative thoughts to God's Word, the differences amaze me:
My thoughts: I want to give up.
God's Word: Be committed (Philippians 4:13, Galatians 6:9).
My thoughts: I'll feel lost.
God's Word: He watches my paths and establishes my ways (Proverbs 5:21, 4:26).
My thoughts: No one loves me.
God's Word: He loves me more than life (John 3:16).
My thoughts: I'm ugly.
God's Word: I'm wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).
My thoughts: I'm all alone and no one understands me.
God's Word: He will never leave me. He has plans for my life (Deuteronomy 31:6, Jeremiah 29:11).
My thoughts: I'm just not good enough.
God's Word: I was created in His image (Genesis 1:26).
When the enemy tries to slither in with false accusations, we must be ready to combat him with what God's Word says about us. To get started, evaluate your thoughts and pray for wisdom to distinguish the voice of the enemy.
Condemning thoughts that steal your confidence of who you are in Christ aren't from God. Let's commit today to renew our minds with the Word of God each day, and replace those worn-out, deceitful lies with truth.
Dear Lord, thank You for Your life-giving truth. Please fill me with Your Word so that I can live in freedom and confidence! In Jesus' Name, amen.
Related Resources:
We invite you to join thousands of women participating in our newest Online Bible Study of A Confident Heart by Renee Swope! Click here to be part of this powerful study and community.
Dive into God’s Word and be inspired and encouraged with the A Confident Heart Real Life Connection Call Series.
What others are saying about A Confident Heart:
• This book pierced my heart, as no other reading, hearing, or experience has.
• This is so what I need! I love how you remind us to pray God's Word. His truth is only what makes a difference with toxic thoughts.
• I felt like you were writing about me. I find myself not doing things that would bring joy because of not being good enough. This book describes how I have felt all my life.
Reflect and Respond:
Are your thoughts reflective of who God's Word says you are?
If not, what one or two things will you begin to change based on the verses above?
Power Verses:
Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." (NIV)
Romans 8:1, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (NIV)
© 2013 by Melissa Taylor. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
630 Team Rd., Suite 100
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
Originally published Tuesday, 10 September 2013.
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