Sometimes, my mind plays trick on me. Dark thoughts creep in from nowhere: “You always seem to fail in that area. Other people do it so much better than you.” “Why did you say that? You’re so stupid.” “You’re not very good at that. Are you really good at anything?” Before I know it, I begin to consider the words and become cloaked in discouragement.
I know better. God does not speak words like that to me; they are clearly lies. God says: I am a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), loved (John 3:16), free (John 8:36)…and the list goes on. But the other words are so strong! Where do these messages come from? Do these suggestive thoughts really appear from “nowhere”?
Of course not. There are unseen forces at work (Ephesians 6:12). The apostles knew this. Peter warns us, “…your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 Paul instructs us to, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11 James admonishes us as well: “…submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee…” (James 4:7)
Be very careful of the messages you allow inside your mind today. If they do not align with scripture, immediately turn to God. Resist the attack—because that is exactly what it is. Draw near to God—read His Word and pray, and renew your mind in Him (Romans 12). Double-check your armor, and then stand firm in the truth.
–Katie Botello
