I woke up late this morning.
Silly me, I forgot to set my alarm. Thankfully, because of the frigid temperatures, school was cancelled for our son, as well as my Wednesday morning Bible study.
After realizing I was already “late” in rising, my next two thoughts were of two deadlines I missed yesterday. I could have gotten 101 free prints on Shutterfly.com, as I fully intended to take advantage of their special that ended at midnight last night… but forgot. And, I also forgot to read yesterday’s Bible reading plan on my YouVersion app which threw me out of the 21-days-in-a-row drawing to win a free iPad, or something.
Disappointment set in. Yes, I realize these things are minor. No one was injured. No one else was effected by them. They really weren’t a big deal. But, I find it doesn’t take much for the voice to start squawking. That defeating, discouraging voice within me that began to have a heyday.
“You thought you could read a Bible plan for 21 days? Who were you kidding? You couldn’t even make it to day 7.”
“You can’t even remember to set your alarm, let alone remember to order free prints online. Really, Julie??”
But the hardest one to “hear” was,
“You can’t do anything right. You might as well give up trying.”
Am I the only one who has this negative voice within, that attempts to discourage at every turn? I hope I am. I’ve had enough experience dealing with this pesky voice, and I know when and how to shut it down.
I began to recall what God’s Word says about me.
I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:13-14)
I am worthy. (Matthew 10:29-31)
I am gifted. (1 Peter 4:10)
I am no longer condemned. (Romans 8:1)
I am God’s treasured possession. (Deuteronomy 7:6)
I then took a moment to remind myself of all the things I did remember yesterday, and all the things I did well.
I finished and submitted, ahead of schedule, a guest blog post for my friend, Betsy’s blog, which will post on Friday.
I wrote another blog post before going to bed.
I mailed out orders for my business.
I spent time with my husband last evening, and encouraged him in ways I felt good about.
I took time to help my son take care of himself and fight his cold. He’s got a big weekend coming up that he needs to feel better for.
I accomplished much at work.
I started my day with my devotions and in prayer.
So there, pesky, little, negative voice! You did not win today. You didn’t affect my day, or my attitude, or how I feel about myself. You did not win!
Friend, I pray when you become discouraged, when you forget, when that voice inside tries to tell you you’re worthless, may you overcome them with truth: The truth of who God is, the truth of Who you belong to, and the truth of who you are.
Don’t let the voice win! And just in case you need a reminder of who you are today, it’s here.
God bless you as you rest in these truths! Have a beautiful day!
Julie
It’s a blessing to link this post up with friends Meredith and Holley today. Visiting their places of encouragement and hope will bless you too!
This resonated with me – because there are times I have a feeling that nothing is ever going to go right again, and that everything I’m trying to accomplish, especially in writing, is simply futile.
There are time I wonder about the ‘generational curse’ thing; that the sins of those who raised me will be used to whack me, as an example to others.
I certainly know I’m gifted,and can do a lot of things quite well…but everything seems to just fall flat. I’m running out of energy, and God is silent.
But tomorrow is another day.
Andrew, I don’t have the answers, but I know God is faithful. He’s with you, even when He’s silent. Praying that comforts you this weekend!
I am holding on to that, Julie. Thank you.
Keep holding on, Andrew.
I have to remind myself of this often! Negative self-talk is easy to succumb to!
It sure is, Deanna! Greater is He Who is in us, though, that he who is in the world. Thank you so much for stopping by! Blessings.
Oh, that “voice.” I know it well – we have a love/hate thing going on. It usually visits with it’s friends “guilt” and “lie.” 🙂 It’s so true, of all that we do on a daily basis, we manage to focus on what we haven’t and who we’re not. His truth is the remedy and I’m so glad it met you. Happy to be a few doors down at Meredith’s. Blesssings to you!
Hi Tiffany! I’m so glad you stopped by, and I hope to make it over to your place too this weekend. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here. Yes, guilt and lie tend to try to visit often. May we continue to focus on Truth! Have a blessed weekend!
Oh yeah, that voice is annoying! I love the list of things you did do. 🙂 we have to reaffirm ourselves to ourselves. I think I will try that trick the next time the voice starts.
Sarah, I have to do it almost daily. Seriously. That voice is not going to win when we know who we belong to! Thanks for stopping in and for sharing. Always a joy to have you here! Blessings!