and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him.
When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources,
Do you ever question if you’re good enough? Are you more likely to dwell on what’s wrong with you than what’s right?
Me too. One day I was scrutinizing myself to find out what my problem was, but the more I picked myself apart, the more it dawned on me: Another voice was egging me on. It was 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 sounded like my own voice.
Now I see that from the start, Satan’s goal has always been to trick and deceive God’s people. The Bible opens with a serpent who slithered into the lives of Adam and Eve and filled their heads with lies they believed, lies that separated them from God. John 8:44 tells us Satan "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. Our Savior was always ready, though, to defeat the evil one. In Matthew 4:1-11, He did it with the Word of God, countering Satan with, “It is written …” (NIV).
We, too, have this weapon in our arsenal. As we fill our hearts and minds with Scripture, we can defeat the lies we tell ourselves and the lies Satan and his dark forces whisper in our thoughts.
When I compare my negative thoughts to God's Word, the differences amaze me:
I think, I’m lost.
God’s Word says He watches my paths and establishes my ways
(Proverbs 5:21; Proverbs 4:26).
I think, No one loves me.
God’s Word says He loves me more than life
(John 3:16).
I think, I’m ugly.
God’s Word says I’m wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14).
I think, I’m alone, and no one understands me.
God’s Word says He will never leave me and He has plans for my life
(Deuteronomy 31:6; Jeremiah 29:11).
I think, I’m just not good enough.
God’s Word says I was created in His image
(Genesis 1:26-27).
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 in who you are in Christ aren’t from God.
Let’s commit to renew our minds with the Word of God each day and replace those worn-out, destructive lies with His Truth.
Dear Lord, thank You for Your life-giving Truth. Please fill me with Your Word so I can live in freedom and confidence! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
- Melissa Taylor
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"
