Proverbs 18:21
Words have the power of life and death. The words of others can inspire us to action, help us feel validated, or assure us that everything will be okay. But other times the words of others can tear us down and magnify our insecurities and confirm the lie that we’re simply not enough or that we are just too much. When words of death flow from a person’s mouth they seem to hold a power that chokes the very life out of those who listen.
As it pertains to words there’s only one thing I can think of that’s worse than a naysayer. It’s the moment those words penetrate our mind and begin to take residency there. And somehow the words of people in the past will find the words of people in the present. They quickly hook up with our own uncertainties and insecurities and they breed lies that seem almost impossible not to believe. Before we know it those very thoughts, in all their deceit, grow feet and make their way down into our hearts. That’s when they are most destructive. When they enter our hearts they begin to exit our mouths, for out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. And then we find ourselves speaking our own words of death…
I am not enough.
I’ll never be enough.
This situation is not redeemable.
This is the way it will always be.
This is how I’ll always be...
Unlovable
Ugly
Guilty
Shameful
Defeated
Alone
Afraid
Misunderstood
This is how the beast of discouragement enters our world. It quietly penetrates our mind and subtly lures us into entertaining it. But its potency becomes deadliest the moment we believe it. It is in that belief that we say, “Yes. You’re right.” and link arms with it. Now we are bound. In that captivity, victory seems close to impossible, or at least so far in the distance it looks completely out of reach.
But it’s not.
This is the moment when we call on the Holy Spirit—the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, the Spirit that is at work in us, displaying His power. This is the moment when we stand face to face with discouragement and boldly say, “You are death, but I choose life.” This is the moment we come out of agreement with the words that were spoken over us—the words that infiltrate our minds—and we come into agreement with the Truth. This truth isn’t simply a teaching. He is our God. (“For I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life”)
Now lean in and listen closely to what He says. Let the words of His tongue wash over you and bring new life.
You are not alone.
I have not forgotten you.
I created you on purpose, with a purpose.
I desire to be with you.
I delight in you.
My strength is made perfect in your weakness.
My love for you is never ending.
Trust in me and you will not be disappointed.
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And when you pass through the rivers,
They will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;
The flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Trust in me. Accept my truth. Resist the lies. I will bring you rest.
You see discouragement is one of the enemy’s biggest tools. But our God is bigger than discouragement. He conquered death. Let Him be your life. Let His words bring you life. Let Him be your encouragement. Stand firm in His truth and you will find victory.
Victory is Possible,
Monique Zackery
Amen, amen, amen. Your words (and the Word of God) has just washed all over me. Thank you Monique!
ReplyDeleteLove this - and you!
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