Lies, lies, they echo like annoying sirens.
While her special-needs child played in the other room, I drew close to her while we sat on her couch.
The baby on her lap had stopped crying, but her shaky voice came through her sobs. “The only way I can explain it is that I’m overwhelmed,” she said, “It’s too much. I don’t think I can handle it. I just don’t have what it takes. Sometimes, I feel so miserable because I don’t seem to do anything right.”
Her words stirred memories. I’ve been there too. When, at 30 years old and a Mom to 3 small sons, I lost my sight completely, I spoke the same words. I embraced the same attitude. I sunk under the same heaviness of the out-of-control situation. And knowing the circumstances weren’t going away, I stuffed my grief deep inside,
I squeeze her hand. “I know what you’re going through, I said, “could I show you how to avoid the mistakes I made?”
She agreed. And I related the change, the transformation and the U-turn that was desperately needed.
First, let’s change those words,” I said, “Let’s erase those notions of criticism about yourself, about your abilities and care for your family. And secondly, let’s bring on new affirming declarations, ones drawn from God’s Word that you can make your own. The secret is to repeat them over and over again in your mind, in your heart and with your lips. Here are ten of them:
1. “Let me see your kindness to me in the morning, for I am trusting in you.” Psalm 143:8
Ask God each morning to show you a different scenery unlike the one you painted for yourself. His plan is beautiful for your life and you might need reminded of that!
2. “Show me where to walk, for my prayer is sincere.” - Psalm 143:2
Be specific in your petitions, and honest with your requests. Trust that he might not reveal the entire path right away, but he will always show you the next step to take.
3. “I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.” Psalm 119:16
Give yourself freedom to find joy not solved situations, but in the power of God’s Word. We don't have to know the answer to our problems to know that the God of love, hope and joy is working out the problems on our behalf.
4. “Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands.” Psalm 119:1
Now is the time to delete regret, doubt, inadequacies and shame from your mind and heart, leaving room for His truth.
5. “I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.” Psalm 119:7
Dare to praise God for the change He’s making.
6. Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7
Renew your effort, energy and passion to seek God. Trust that God is never hiding from his children! If you desire to seek him, you WILL find him.
7. “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11
God’s promises stored in the heart are promises that prevail. When we know his promises, his commands, his truth in our hearts and minds and can recall them and remind ourselves of his truth, we have a mighty weapon against the enemy's lies!
8. “With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.” Psalm 119:13
From our lips flow words that echo God’s voice. Speaking truth to ourselves and to others is a huge part of our defense against sin, temptation and despair.
9. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9
Rather than our emotions, we listen and follow God’s ways. Feelings are helpful but they can also decieve us -- if we make our emotions the primary metric of our Christian walk, we might fail to see the good work God is doing in our lives.
10. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
Time spent reflecting on His Word is wisdom gained. And God promises that the good work he has begun in you, he WILL complete that good work in you. What a marvelous promise for all of his children!
The battle isn’t against the situation, but against the devil and his schemes (Ephesians 6:10). He’s quick to put negative thoughts that turn to discouraging words. Those words turn to the attitude we embrace. The attitude often dictates the road we take. And the road can take us to the destination called defeat.
As I reminded my friend of these things, she exhaled a deep sigh. “I didn’t know I had to be the one who had to change,. I was just saying how I felt and didn’t realize I was speaking lies.”
Sadly, those lies are the ones that ignite destructive feelings and emotions. But victory shines through when we allow God’s word to fill the heart. When our lips echo His Word, His truth cancels lies. Then calmness fills our moments, peace covers our days, and rest eases into our nights.
Janet Perez Eckles is an international speaker and author of four books. Her best-selling release, Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta invites you to experience the simplicity of finding joy even in the midst of hardship, With engaging stories, Simply Salsa gives practical steps to overcome heartache and celebrate life once again.
The following list provides more Bible verse resources focused on provided Scriptures that will meet you in your need. No matter the circumstance or situation, God’s Word can speak healing and encouragement into your life. Read and memorize these verses so you can remember God’s promises in the moment you need them!
Bible Verses to Calm an Anxious Soul
Bible Verses for Strength in Hard Times
Marriage Bible Verses to Pray Over Your Spouse
Bible Verses to Help Stop Anxiety and Panic
Bible Verses for Peace in Challenging Times
Victory Bible Verses to Pray Over the Battles
Freedom Bible Verses for Letting Go
Bible Verses for Overcoming the Fear of Death
Spiritual Warfare Bible Verses
Immanuel, God with Us Bible Verses
Originally published Tuesday, 07 March 2017.
