“So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.”
-Romans 8:6 (NLT)
So many voices in my head.
Which one do I choose to listen to?
Why is it so easy sometimes to let my unruly mind become the enemy’s stomping grounds?
The past few weeks have been a roller coaster of emotions…the attacks of the enemy were real and intense leading up to the weekend we celebrate as the most powerful day in history…the day our Lord and Savior defeated death on a cross, was risen from the dead and tore the curtain separating us from His presence.
The epitome of God’s grace and love!
I was excited for this time, this celebration. I had been preparing my heart and had goals to draw nearer and grow closer during the season of Lent.
A few days before Good Friday I was inundated with condemnation…
You are such a failure.
You have no faith.
You are weak.
You give in to fear.
You have no discipline.
“I have discovered this principle of life – that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me.” -Romans 7:21-23 (NLT)
I was acutely aware of my failures, my weaknesses, my inability to overcome the slavery to sin.
“Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord!” -Romans 7:24 (NLT)
The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord! Amen!
In HIM,
I am a conqueror.
I am a follower whose faith is growing.
I am strong.
I am bold and courageous.
I have discipline and dedication.
As I felt the attacks of the enemy on me the past few weeks, I was reminded that Satan condemns.
—–> When the voices judge, criticize, blame and denounce you as a person, it is the enemy. He calls you a failure…BUT…
Failure is not a person, it is an event!! (Zig Ziglar)
—–> When the voices convict you of your shortfalls, clearly revealing the areas where you have given into the sinful nature, but they are also encouraging and motivating you to overcome, that is the voice of Truth – the voice of the Holy Spirit.
As I consciously choose to throw out the lies, I also know it is important to refill with truth. Finding rest and peace in His word, I am always able to allow space for the Holy Spirit to have control.
“Guide my steps by Your word, so I will not be overcome by evil.” -Psalm 119:133 (NLT)
“As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in Your commands. Your laws are always right; help me to understand them so I may live.”
-Psalm 119:143-144 (NLT)
- I am so thankful for the conviction of the Holy Spirit in my life.
- I am thankful that even when I am weak and helpless, He is there to give me strength to overcome.
- I am thankful for my family, friends, and supporters who constantly build up, encourage and believe in me to be a part of His Kingdom, even when I question my ability to fulfill His calling sometimes.
- Most especially, I am thankful for the unfathomable love of a Savior who was willing to take His life to save mine…in spite of my weaknesses, failure, and sinful nature, He says, “I love you anyway. It’s okay…I love you.”
