‘Believing truth is always a choice. In every situation, in every conversation, and in every moment that you begin to criticize yourself, you have the choice to fight for truth or give in to the lies.’ Annie F. Downs, 100 Days To Brave Day 7
When my brain tells me negative things it seems to take more energy to believe a truth than to accept whatever it is in my head. I wonder why this is? Why does it take more courage to believe I am loved, than to believe I am unloveable? I wrote yesterday how I needed to actually read aloud those scriptures about how God saw me and that frequently it made me feel silly to do it. At other times, when I was speaking those God-words through my tears, I was extremely frustrated with myself that I still hadn’t ‘got it’ and even thought ‘maybe if you haven’t got it by now, you never will!’ Talk about labels and lies! To choose to ignore those voices of negativity and say ‘I believe I am loved by God. I believe he loves me just as I am’ took everything ounce of courage I had.
But you know what? I did walk away from the mirror feeling better. It wasn’t just a ‘woah, girl-power’ thing; no, this was the power of truth. I can look my tear stained face in the mirror and say, ‘My God loves me. I know this because Jesus said it, and it’s recorded here in this part of the Scriptures.’
It took courage to say it. Took even more courage to believe it. But I chose to fight for truth.
Because I chose to believe I was loved, I could then believe I was the other things God said about me. As the author said it was for her, so it was for me: my insecurities a little bit quieter.
As the Annie F. Downs writes, so I pray: may our hearts be fuller because we know how God feels about us.
At the end of today’s devotional, the author challenges us to write a prayer to God asking we hear who we are. You don’t have to share your prayers here, but I hope you share them with your Heavenly Father who loves you enough to answer them.
I like the way you put it – takes courage to believe that we are loved by God. So thankful for people who love me intentionally – they make it easier for me to know and to believe that I am loved. Oh, how much more must we love others so that it becomes easier for them to believe that they are absolutely lovable, so it doesn’t feel like it’s hard to love who they are.
You really challenge me today Deepali. To think that how I love others makes it easier (or harder) for them to believe they are lovable. Wow. What a privilege we have in that—and a responsibility to love well. Thank you. Love Tifainé
Rolling around TRUTH for the past 24 hrs. Talking myself through some poignant truth points amidst some tough stuff. Gods truth is a weapon to the perceptions and false truth that is, for me, derived from fear ~especially when I am tired and worn down.
Since we are being brave these days, thought I would share them. Maybe they will help someone begin their own tool box of truth that is at the ready whenever doubt, heartache, fear or pain strike.
1. God is sovereign. He is in control of everything. Nothing happens outside his will and he is not surprised by our circumstances even when we are. Yes, even the really tough stuff, he knows all about.
2. That is ok b/c God loves you. God looks at you and sees the righteousness of Christ ~ Even in that really tough stuff that feels like walking through hell ~ he loves you and is intentional about his help.
3. You can keep walking it out imperfectly b/c of Gods character.
He is good, holy, and just. He is all-powerful, all-knowing and forever faithful. He is gracious, merciful, and kind. He’s a good father and is relentlessly for you.
4. On the journey we remember Gods promises so we can keep our eyes and hearts open for what he has already prepared for us.
He has promised salvation for everyone who calls on his name (Acts 2:21/John 6:37)
He had promised to always be with us (Josh 1:9/Matt 28:20)
He has promised to never leave us or forsake us (Rom 8:35-39)
He hears us when we cry out to him (Ps 34:15/Ps86:5-8)
He will meet all our needs (Phil 4:19/Rom 8:32)
He has promised us eternity with him in heaven (John 14:2-3/1John 2:25)
The next time you face something difficult and find yourself thinking such thoughts as “I’ll never get through this,” or “What did I do to deserve this” like Annie Downs says, it’s okay to talk to yourself. To remind yourself of the places and spaces where your hope comes from. I know for me it’s this reminder plus and a good nap that really sets me straight.
Thanks for this insight, Jen. Remembering those promises that God made to us is an important tool in our toolbox. Love Tifainé
The busy-ness of life has distracted me from being rooted and secure in His truth, spoken over me personally. I might hear the words, but When I sat down this morning to catch up on the readings, I realized this day is where I need to rest and receive the full truth of Annie’s message and seeking His word. Catching up to Day 10 won’t happen. But I’ve researched all those beautiful verses about identity in Christ and will be sharing with my kiddos later. Because being brave is being confident and I am confident that He is who He says He is and who He says I am. I want my kids to walk in the Truth and have their true identity rooted and rehearsed in their hearts early. Lord, open our hearts to hear and accept your Truth. Because of Jesus, we are who You say we are.
This is so good Jamie. Catching up isn’t the point, keeping going is. Better to let those identity verses really sink in and feed us than just skip ahead because of a calendar. May our kids know their true identity better than we do! We are who God says we are period! Thank you for sharing so authentically. Love Tifainé
I am constantly reminded of the “I am who God says I am.” It is something God started with me 2 years ago. I was reading Psalm 139, and the verses about God’s thoughts outnumbering the grains of sand jumped out at me. And it sent me on a journey to listen and discover the thoughts of God towards me. It began changing how I view myself. I loved when Annie said that her insecurities become quite (not gone), her worries become lighter (not weightless), and heart becomes fuller. In my 2 year journey the is far from over and will probably never be over, that has been so true. It isn’t that the lies completely disappear, you just reach a point where they are drowned out by the truth as quickly as they pop into your mind.
When asking God on Day 7 what his thoughts were of me, He said, “You are an original masterpiece.”
So filled with all the reflections on this page! Comes at such a good time. Reminder again and again of His goodness, His character and His righteousness that underpins our identity! Thank you thank you!