John 10:4 & 5"....for they know my voice and a stranger they will not follow."
When was the last time you heard someone sing your praise and tell you how good you are? When was the last time you were told you were kind, smart, or important? We will never be bombarded with the cheers from the crowd and the band playing, SMILE as we go about our day. However, there is a voice that will slay every negative that comes our way.
There are times we can be our worst critics. The things we whisper to ourselves, the things our mind says, and the lies we accept. Do you sometimes wish you could go about life on mute? Any time a negative comment comes, it's muted, or a positive comment overrides it. Would not this be a lovely way to live on earth?
Allow me to suggest the practice of turning off what is not true concerning you. Turn off all voices that are trying to speak doubt, fear, hopelessness, and sin into your life. As the scripture says, follow the sound and voice of the Great Shepherd. His voice tells us we will not be in want or lack of any good thing. He gives us rest in the green pastures, leads us in the pathways of righteousness, beside the still waters, and restores our soul. He walks us through the very traps the enemy has set, preparing a table before them, anointing us so they can see it while blessings are overflowing. He tells us mercy will follow all the days of our life. Now, who's voice are you hearing? His voice is powerful and can lock the jaws of negativity.
We must study the word of God and learn what his thoughts and plans are for us. We can't wander through life looking to people to define us---God has that right. "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:8-9
If it does not align with the word of God...Do not follow that Voice. Turn It Off!
Amen!
Today, so many people struggle with self doubt and negative thoughts about themselves, even when there is no evidence of such. I love this word because I think a lot of us (including those who are consistently in the word) can use a pep talk about continuing to trust in God and have faith that He is always by our sides, He’s got our front and our back We just need to look back and see all that we have accomplished and come through despite thinking we didn’t have what it takes or that it was too hard. We’ve all been in situations that we didn’t think we’d get through BUT GOD!!
Turn it off and allow the voice…