Are you believing debilitating lies without even realizing it?
I wasn’t aware that I was until I read Leviticus 5 the other day in my devotional reading. God was making provision for the Israelites who sinned in various ways without realizing it. Sometimes certain things offended the holiness and goodness of God and God’s people were completely oblivious. So God’s Law stated in Leviticus 5:5 “When anyone realizes their guilt in any of these matters, they must confess in what way they have sinned.”
I started thinking about the goodness and holiness of God and ways I might sin against Him without realizing it. And then it came to me. I often believe debilitating thoughts like:
- You can’t do this
- You will surely fail
- You are alone in this
- God has given up on you
- No one — not even God — will come through for you
While those thoughts might seem like they’re just being hard on me, they are really cutting at the glory and goodness of God.
Surely, I know the difference by now between the Holy Spirit’s discernment and warning and the defeating voice in my head that says “Just give up.” When the Holy Spirit is warning or giving me discernment, there is peace and confidence that when I take His direction I am doing the right thing. When that voice in my head tells me to “just give up” there are only feelings of discouragement and defeat.
“for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve sinned by believing lies that I am not capable, that You have abandoned me, that I might as well give up, that I’ve lost my edge and am no longer valuable or effective for You. Those lies and doubts are a lack of faith, and my critical nature toward myself is really a critical heart toward YOU and what You can accomplish through me. May my words be that of the Psalmist “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). And may my words echo Paul’s in Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Thank You, Lord Jesus, that Your words are whispers of comfort and direction — never critical words of defeat. I will no longer be fearful or full of doubt.
If you need practice hearing the voice of God, not your own thoughts, see my book God’s Whispers to a Woman’s Heart. It will teach you to hear Jesus’ voice through Scripture and discern your own thoughts from the thoughts of the enemy. Listen for His whispers of Love. He really is FOR you.
I have been living like this for about 2-3 years now. I was saved back in 1980 and lived my life full of joy and peace,loving and serving our Lord. Somewhere I lost my way and I live a separated life from Him now. I feel rejected unloved,without peace or joy. I’m scared and I truly hate myself and life anymore.
Can you help me?
Kathy: I’m sorry you’ve been believing the lies of the enemy for so long that he’s convinced you to hate yourself and life. My book, When a Woman Overcomes Life’s Hurts, would be extremely helpful for you right now, as would my book, When Women Walk Alone, which will help you get back into an intimate relationship with the Lord where you no longer feel separated from Him. I also encourage you to look through my free “Articles of Encouragement” on the “Encouragement” page on my website. Find the topics that speak to your heart and start focusing on the truth of Who God is and who you are in His sight. Thank you for reaching out.
This was a great reminder that I have the mind of Christ and that the scriptures encourage me to think on how God thinks of me. In my grief, I think those things as well, but the Spirit reminds me at times of who I am in Christ.
Ramona, keep listening to those reminders from the Spirit. You are loved. Immensely. 🙂 Do you have a copy of my book, When a Woman Overcomes Life’s Hurts? (That might’ve been how you found me in the first place.) That book comes to mind when I think of all you’ve been through.
Thanks so much for your post Cindi ! Your reminder of how much God loves us and how much He has given us made me tear up.
Mary, thank you for your comment. We all need reminders now and then of how much God loves us and how much He gave up for us so we could be in relationship with Him. Sometimes our circumstances seem powerful, and our own critical thinking appears loud, but His love is stronger. Never forget that. 🙂
Thanks for the post Cindi! I sometimes struggle with the thoughts “God has given up on me” and thoughts of “giving up”. Yet I know that’s what the enemy wants me to think and do. He has come to kill, steal and destroy, and that’s exactly what he does. And the opposite of that, “Jesus came that we may have life and have it to the full.”, When the enemy attacks I try to put God’s Truth over the lies. Sometimes it can be hard when the lies are so thick. I need to remind myself that I am loved by God and that He will never leave me, and soak up God’s Word. Your book “when women walk alone” was really powerful in helping put truth over the lies. 🙂
Thanks, Amber, for taking the time to share that on my blog. Your knowledge of Scripture equips you to speak God’s truth over those lies of the enemy so keep doing that, girlfriend. Your God is always with you, fighting for you (Exodus 14:14) and there is a reason the enemy keeps battling for your mind. He feels threatened when you are living to your God-ordained potential. Stay strong in Him.