Devotional: Tell Yourself

One of my most cherished possession is my Bible. I can still remember the day I got it. I was in high school, probably fifteen years old at the time, and my mom took me to a little bookstore in a town about an hour from our house. I remember the way the store looked–all the shelves crammed with books and the low ceilings. I remember picking out my Bible–it was leather bound and thick. Then to my delight, mom offered to get my named imprinted on the front cover. Little did I know then, but that Bible would serve as a guide through every season of my life. I took it with me to college, my first apartment, my first house, etc. That Bible was always with me. But it wasn’t until a few years ago that I took the time to read more than a few Psalms, glance at my favorite verses, or the stories of Jesus in the gospels. I didn’t know the Bible. Sure, I loved the Lord and I gave my heart to Jesus, but I didn’t really know Him on a deep, personal level.

Then a few years ago, when intense anxiety slapped me across the face, I become desperate for help and I sought the Lord like never before. I dove into the Bible as a way to calm my nervous system–reading in the dark, early morning hours with a book light and a cup of coffee. And in the process I found more comfort, power, and healing than I ever knew possible. I learned, and I’m still learning, who God really is. It’s fascinating, awe-inspiring and very humbling. And over the years, I’ve discovered that we can literally transform our thoughts with word of God! The Bible is overflowing with the most powerful words ever written that not only have the ability to renew our weary spirits, but break the chains of the lies we so often believe.

So next time you find yourself in a spiritual battle, feeling worn down, discouraged, worried, unworthy, scared or lacking in any way, tell yourself:

No weapon formed against me shall prosper. Isaiah 54:17
I am the head and not the tail. Deuteronomy 28:13
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer. Psalm 18:2
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord. Psalm 20:7
We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
Though He slay me, yet I will trust in Him. Job 13:15
The Lord is my light. Psalm 27:1
I will fear no evil, for the Lord is with me. Psalm 23:4
I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me. Psalm 16:8
I will not fear, for He is with me. I will not be dismayed, for He is my God. Isaiah 41:10
I do not have a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
I will use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so after the battle I will stand firm. Ephesians 6:13

These words give me chills in the best way possible. LET’S GO! Repeat it over and over and over again, training your heart and mind until the fear, doubt and lies have no choice but to flee. This life isn’t easy, but we can command ourselves to remember these promises and claim the power and authority Jesus Christ died to give us. Write those verses on notecards and take them with you everywhere, reading them throughout the day as many times as possible. These aren’t just words–this is our sword in the battle. What a gift!