There are parts of me that I just can’t seem to tame. Those emotional aspects of my human nature retreat to self-doubt and self-defeating thoughts when my significance feels threatened. I hear the whispers – they don’t like you, you are not smart enough, they don’t love you, you can’t measure up to them, you are not wanted here, they are judging you. It is so frustrating. My responses when confronted with overwhelming feelings of rejection that causes the child in me to react is like holding up a big red sign that says – INSECURE PERSON HERE. I feel so utterly defenseless. And forget about going back for a do-over because that will make me look like I am some overly emotional female who doesn’t have any backbone. Where was Jesus in this? Why didn’t I handle that with more maturity? Have I not learned anything? Literally, the thoughts in my head.
Feelings of insignificance have been a constant battle for me for over 50 years. If you struggle with these feelings and thoughts as well, I am here for you. I want to encourage you, come alongside you in prayer, give you a big Holy Spirit hug, and tell you that you are not on the battlefield alone my friend. God did not leave you defenseless.
Weapons of our Warfare
Our greatest defense is a strong offense. When those intrusive thoughts are taking over and you start to feel your emotions spiraling it is time to call a time-out. Pausing and stepping out of the situation allows us to evaluate the posture of our hearts and the attitude of our minds so we can pivot and turn to the truth. We will never run out of opportunities to go to the throne of God and seek refuge within the shelter of His righteousness and holiness. There are several ways God has given you direct access to the power and authority of Heaven.
- Pray – God is always listening for your voice and ready to respond. Sharing your true feelings and thoughts with God invites His Spirit to invade those spaces where the enemy has infiltrated and push him back to the pit, giving you peace of mind. (Mark 11:14, Philippians 4:6-7)
- The Word – The truth of who God is and who you are to Him will never change. It is written in His Word – the Truth. God’s Word will light a path for your thoughts to follow out of those dark places. His Word transforms and heals your hurting heart while equipping you with His strength. (Hebrews 4:12, 2 Tim 3:16-17, Psalm 119:105, John 17:17)
- The Holy Spirit – Like a faithful friend, mentor, or teacher, the Holy Spirit is the promise fulfilled in every believer’s life and a gift of Jesus to every believer. He is the Spirit of Truth, Advocate, and Helper, who imparts wisdom, understanding, direction, correction, and power. The Holy Spirit helps us to pray and strengthens our spirit. (John 14:16-17, Acts 2:28, Isaiah 11:2, Romans 8:26)
Suit Up Sister
When we believe in Christ, Satan sends his demonic beings to try every divisive tactic to cause us to turn away from God and back to sin. He does this by triggering the pain of our past and by invading our thoughts. We need supernatural power to defeat Satan and God has given us His Holy Spirit within us and His Armor to surround us. To withstand his attacks, we must depend on God’s strength and use every piece of his armor. Like getting dressed for the day, imagine yourself putting on every piece of the Armor of God.
Ephesians 6:13-18, “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,”
If I am struggling, I always phone a friend. Linking my shield with my sisters in Christ creates a supernatural barrier that protects me from Satan’s attacks and gives me the strength I need to stand firm on the Word of God.
Here is The Truth
I don’t have a good ability to memorize things like scripture and it always bothered me. But what I do have is Christ in me, the mind of Christ, and the Holy Spirit. I may not memorize scripture, but I do have access to God’s Truth. The Truth is, we already have victory because of Jesus. We don’t fight for victory, but we fight from a position of victory because of what Jesus did for us on the cross.
One of the most powerful truths that declare the victory we have in Jesus over the battles we fight for our peace of mind is 2 Corinthians 3-5, “For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. 4 The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have the divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.…” Paul was referring to prayer, faith, hope, love, God’s Word, and the Holy Spirit as being powerful and effective.
When you start to feel bombarded by negative and self-defeating thoughts pause, step back and stand in the presence of God. Put on the Armor of God for your protection. You don’t have to respond to every situation at the moment, but you can pause and pivot by turning to God in prayer, reading His Word, and calling on His Holy Spirit to give you what you need at the moment.
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