My Thoughts vs. God's Word

I was feeling kinda tired... exhausted... demotivated... worried... anxious... doubtful... fearful... u name it.. I got it...

But... the following really encouraged me and made my day!

by Proverbs 31
"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."
John 10:10 (NKJV)

Do you ever question if you are good enough? I do. Do you dwell more on what's wrong with you than what's right with you? I do that a lot too.

One day, I realized my thoughts were being provoked by the enemy. For a long time, I didn't even recognize Satan for who he was. My negative thoughts just sounded like my own voice.

The Bible warns us of a slithering serpent who deceived Adam and Eve filling their heads with lies that separated them from God’s truths. They chose to believe the lies. Jesus, too, was tempted by this liar. He was ready though. He knew the Word of God and that was the only weapon He needed to defeat the evil one.

I find great comfort knowing I have the same weapon Jesus had. I have God's Word available to me.

When I compared my negative thoughts to God's Word, I was amazed at the differences:

My thoughts tell me to give up.God's Word tells me to be committed. Matthew 5:33-37

My thoughts tell me “I need it now!”God's Word tells me to exercise self-control. Galatians 5:23

My thoughts tell me I deserve to come first, be selfish.God's Word tells me to have humility and put others first. Philippians 2:3-4

My thoughts tell to get mad and hold a grudge.God's Word says forgive as many times as it takes. Matthew 18:21-22

My thoughts tell me to seek revenge.God's Word tells me to be a peacemaker. Romans 12:18-19

My thoughts tell me to take all the credit.God's Word tells me to glorify Jesus Christ. John 17:5

My thoughts tell me I need to look good on the outside and no one will notice the ugly inside. God's Word tells me to be pure on the inside and the outside won't even matter. Proverbs 31:30

My thoughts tell me I'm ugly. God's Word tells me I'm wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14

My thoughts tell me I'm all alone and no one understands me. God's Word tells me He will never leave me He knows the plans and He has for me. Deuteronomy 31:6, Jeremiah 29:11

My thoughts tell me that I'm just not good enough. God's Word tells me that I'm His gift to the world and that I was created in His image. Psalm 127:3, Genesis 1:26

I’ve learned that lies must be replaced with Words that are true. That way, when Satan’s lies slither back into my head, I can defeat the enemy.

I admit this has been a challenge for me. I'm so thankful that I have friends to remind me of my true identity, and I was brave enough to seek counseling when I needed help. Anxiety and depression were not always my fault. I was open to receive medical attention from a professional in my area. My family, especially my husband, stood beside me even when I was miserable to be around. When I felt like quitting, I never did.

I don't want to waste time believing lies about myself that aren't true. That only keeps me from fulfilling my God-given purpose. I challenge you to evaluate your thoughts. Renew your mind with the Word of God. Do not allow the enemy to separate you from the love of God and the life that was meant for you.

Dear Lord, Fill me with Your Word so that I can live in freedom. In Jesus' Name, Amen.