It always comes accompanied by feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, feelings of being overwhelmed and inadequate. It sounds like the voice of my own mind and thoughts, but I recognize that it isn’t. It’s the voice of the imposter. His voice drips with self-pity and he wants me to join in as he sings his little tune. The lyrics are, “I can’t, I can’t do this, I can’t face this, this is too hard, this is too much, I’m not adequate, I’m not enough…” If I am foolish enough to join in, the lyrics get even more insidious, “God doesn’t care, God’s not there, He’s not adequate, He’s not enough…” The chorus is always something like, “What if you fail? What if He fails?”
I hate him, the one whose voice speaks such vile lies. I hate the path of destruction he leaves wherever he goes. I hate that he accuses the God who never fails, and tries to get me to agree with his accusations. I hate that he accuses me and the power of God in me which enables me to do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13) I hate that he expects me to just lie down and quit and give up, and I hate that even for a second I am tempted to listen to him.
But then I hear the voice of the Beloved. I am His, and I know His voice.(John 10:4) His voice is mightier than the sound of many waters. (Psalm 93:4) Out of His mouth comes the Sword of Truth and with it He exposes the lies and disarms the liar. He says to me, “Be strong, courageous and firm. I will go before you. I will march with you. I will not fail you, or let you go or forsake you. Fear not, neither become broken in spirit, depressed, dismayed or unnerved with alarm.” (Deuteronomy 31:7-8) He says, “I will bring my purposes to pass for you and surely complete them.”(Psalm 57:2) He says, “ I have chosen you and will never throw you away. Do not be afraid for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I have promised to strengthen you and help you and uphold you with My victorious right hand.”(Isaiah 41:9-10) I respond, “Amen, so be it! I choose to believe Your Word, Your voice.” Confidence and strength return, peace comes into my mind and heart, and that other voice is silenced.
Following His Voice,
Elizabeth
Very powerful...Thank you Jesus and thank you Elizabeth for sharing this morning...I pray you have a blessed day wrapped in the love of God...Robyn
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ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this today - we are surrounded by so many voices but we MUST keep the ears of our heart tuned to the voice of the Father. He never leads us astray!
ReplyDelete~Adrienne~
(Deleted my first comment - too many typos!)
I hate, no, loathe, the vile liar's voice too!
ReplyDeleteDo you suppose that there would be less depression in Christians if we remembered: 'Fear not, neither become broken in spirit, depressed, dismayed or unnerved with alarm'?
I strive to always (I sometime fail) be aware of whose voice is whose.
It is very important to know the difference, isn't it?
I pray that we will always follow our Shepherd's voice- we will not fear where He leads us.
And for this I am so very grateful!
And I am grateful for you!
“I can’t do this.” That song has been playing at my house, too. I have to drown out the lyrics with the Voice of Truth. Thank you for this post today; it really has blessed me and encouraged me.
ReplyDeleteHello There, I can't believe the timing of your posting. I just had a little cry, not sure exactly why, but just feeling a little lost. Then I just now popped into your blog. WOW! Your words were meant for me to read. He will never leave me and He does go before me. Thank you for that gentle reminder. Shannon :O)
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