Everything we say and do starts with a thought. Our thoughts can either push us toward greatness, or drag us into a downward spiral. It’s important that we’re paying attention to what we’re fixing our thoughts on. Negative thoughts will try to creep in, but we have the capability of controlling our thoughts and realigning them with what God says about us. God tells us over and over again through His written Word how important we are to Him, but the enemy wants nothing more than for us to set aside all that we believe to be true about God’s love. We often buy into his schemes and see ourselves through our faults and failures, but that’s not how God sees us at all.
The most powerful weapon that the enemy uses on you is deception.
The enemy is after your identity. His goal is to make you question your worth, your circumstances and who God is. If he can get you to buy into his lies, he can potentially destroy your purpose and destiny. Thankfully we have God’s Word as a powerful reminder of who we are in Christ. We were created in the image of God and although this image has been distorted by sin, God sent His son Jesus to restore His image in us. So, in those moments when the enemy attempts to infiltrate your mind with past mistakes or lies that others have spoken over you, open up God’s Word and read what He says about you.
But Jesus told him, “No! The scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4
I recently took the Love Language quiz online and learned that my primary love language is Words of Affirmation. I respond best to words that offer encouragement, love and hope. Now it makes sense to me why I tend to revisit scriptures that uplift, comfort and strengthen me. And while I understand the importance of scriptures that also challenge and correct me, I love the fact that I don’t need to turn to people because God Himself speaks my love language.
And isn’t that how it should be for all of us? God wants us to imagine ourselves as His favorite. He wants us to live with the knowledge that our worth is absolutely invaluable to Him. When we begin to align ourselves with this truth, there are a few things that happen:
- Everything good happening to you will instantly be credited back to God
- Everything bad happening will be something He’s teaching you – a stepping stone for what’s next
- You’ll love coming before God in worship and prayer without thinking you need to do more
- No one can ever convince you that God isn’t for you
God’s love for us runs deeper than anything we can imagine. It isn’t something we earn; it’s unconditional regardless of our behavior. Stop defining your worth based on your past mistakes or how others see you and begin to see yourself as God sees you: valued, justified and redeemed in Christ.