Beware of the whispers of deceit.
These are subtle lies that worm into our heads bringing condemnation, guilt and insecurities. They cause us to question if there is anything good about us. I wish I could say I am free from those niggling thoughts, but I can’t.
Those whispers of deceit creep into our minds, warping our thoughts. Whether we fully believe the lie or not, we live in the shadow of deception instead of the light of the truth.
We easily fall into believing the whispers of deceit from the enemy of our souls when we neglect to keep our minds fixed on God’s truth. The lies imprison the soul. However, when God’s grace is imprinted on the soul, the heart is set free. The belief that each of us is precious in the eyes of God can transform us.
Often instead of basing our sense of self worth on what God has said, it becomes based on the input and opinions of others. Someone can say something to us—a simple negative statement about our appearance, or weight, or accomplishment—that ends up haunting us for years. Eventually our self perception reflects that comment whether it is truth or not. We react in ways that are unhealthy, by withdrawing, becoming bitter, or depressed. If we allow them to permeate our thoughts and emotions we are not living in the freedom that God offers.
So, how can we silence these whispers of deceit?
1. Identify the deceit. You have to know what it is so you can dismantle its power over you.
Look objectively at it; remove the emotion from the situation. Acknowledge the emotion, but do not dwell on it. Focusing on the negative emotions leads to the road of bitterness and depression.
Measure your thoughts against Philippians 4:8 Is it true? Is it noble? Is it right? Is it pure? Is it lovely? Is it admirable? Is it excellent? Is it praiseworthy?
2. Learn scriptures to replace the deception.
Exchange the deceptive lie with the truth of scripture. Simply put, we need to grow in our understanding of what God’s Word says about our worth. The easy part is learning a verse by heart, being able to repeat it. We can say scripture with our mouth, but real change occurs when we incorporate its truth into our minds and hearts. The power of God can transform your mind to believe it and your heart to act on its truth. Through believing the scriptural truths of what God says about us, we loosen the grip of the lies.
3. Take every thought captive to dismantle the lie. Pray for the Holy Spirit to bring the Word to your mind to help you belief the truth from the Word of God.
The challenge is to continually believe the truth when we don’t feel like it. We cannot let our emotions lead us to self-condemnation.
For instance, when I think I am unlovable, I have to remember how much God loves me.
“I have loved you with an everlasting love.” Jeremiah 31:3
When I think I am unacceptable, I have to take that thought captive and replace it with the truth that God accepts me as I am, with all my faults and imperfections.
“He chose us before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” Ephesians 1:4
When I mess up, I have to run to the arms of God to hear him say “I love you just the way you are.
“There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1
When I am discontent, I remember God’s grace is enough.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
His grace supplies my need for peace. Refocusing on His grace gives me a change in perspective.
Oswald Chambers wrote,
“Your mind is the greatest gift has given you and ought to be entirely devoted to Him. 2 Corinthians 10:5 will be one of the greatest assets of your faith when a time of trial comes, because then your faith and the Spirit of God will work together.” (My Utmost for His Highest, Feb 11)
What are you listening to? The whispers of deceit from the enemy, the opinions of others, or the voice of truth from God’s Word?
By replacing those lies with God’s truth, we will see ourselves as we really are in God’s eyes–loved, forgiven, and accepted.