Rejecting the Lies - The Crosswalk Devotional - August 5

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Rejecting the Lies
By Cindi McMenamin

Bible Reading:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV).

Are you believing debilitating lies without even realizing it? Thoughts can bombard our minds, making us doubt God's goodness or our ability to live a victorious life. Voices—that we might think come from our own thoughts—sometimes condemn us, cause us fear, or make us feel unworthy, insignificant, or unloved. Yet those are lies that you and I should not even entertain. 

I wasn't aware that I was tolerating lies until I read Leviticus 5 the other day in my devotional reading. God was making provision for the Israelites who sinned in various ways, sometimes without realizing it. Sometimes, certain things offended the holiness and goodness of God, and God's people were completely oblivious until they felt guilt (which we now know is the conviction of God’s Holy Spirit). God's Law stated in Leviticus 5:5: "And it shall be, when he is guilty in any of these matters, that he shall confess that he has sinned in that thing.” 

I started thinking about the goodness and holiness of God and ways I might sin against Him without realizing it. And then it occurred to me: I often believe debilitating thoughts like:

• You can't do this.
• You will surely fail.
• You are alone in this.
• God has given up on you.
• No one—not even God—will come through for you. 

While those thoughts might be rooted in my own insecurities and self-doubt, they nonetheless cut at the glory and goodness of God. To doubt is the opposite of exercising faith. And expecting the worst in a situation certainly does not give God credit for being able to do the impossible.  

I know the difference by now between the Holy Spirit's discernment and warning and the defeating voice in my head that says, Just give up. When the Holy Spirit is warning me or giving me discernment about something, there is peace and confidence that accompanies His leading, and that assures me I am doing the right thing. To the contrary, when that voice in my head tells me Just give it up and I am left with feelings of discouragement, defeat, or shame, I know that is not the loving voice of my Savior, Defender, and Advocate.

In 2 Timothy 1:7, we are told that God has not given us a spirit of fear, doubt, or debilitating thoughts. God has instead given us a spirit of power, love, and sound judgment.

Scripture also tells us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). 

Intersecting Faith & Life: 

A critical nature toward ourselves is really a critical heart toward God and what He can accomplish through us. Instead of believing the lies that you are constantly incapable and fully prone to failure, or that you’re alone, or unloved, or insignificant, focus instead on the truth of Who God is and all that He can do in and through you.

He is the One who supports you, sustains you, provides for you, guides and directs you, and always comes through for you, whether you see it in your circumstances or not. 

Scripture tells us, “without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” 

(Hebrews 11:6). We are not only commanded to believe in Him, but to believe He is a rewarder and provider for those who diligently seek Him. So, stop believing the lies. Outright reject them. And start listening to God’s truth through Scripture, through the godly counsel of others that is backed by Scripture, and by listening for His quiet, comforting whispers on your heart that leave you encouraged, equipped, and empowered for His glory. 

How you live—by fear or by faith—speaks volumes to others of what you truly believe about God. 

Lord, forgive us for doubting what You can do through us. Help us to remember that with You, all things are possible. And Your words are true and empowering, not false and defeating. 

Further Reading:
Psalm 139:13-14

For more on learning to listen for God’s whispers, see Cindi’s book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God.

How did today’s devotional speak to you? Share your thoughts in the Crosswalk Devotional discussion.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Lemon_tm

Cindi McMenamin is a national speaker, Bible teacher, certified writing coach, and award-winning writer who helps women and couples strengthen their relationship with God and others. She is also a mother, a pastor’s wife who has been married 37 years, and the author of 19 books, including When Women Walk Alone (more than 160,000 copies sold), The New Loneliness: Nurturing Meaningful Connections When You Feel Isolated, and The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God. For more on her speaking ministry, coaching services for writers, and books to strengthen your soul, marriage, and parenting, see her website: www.StrengthForTheSoul.com.

Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com! 

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