We all hear them. Those little voices in our minds that tell us we're less than we really are. As a writer, my voices often say things like, "Why would anyone want to read what you've written?" "That idea is so stupid." "You're a fake." There are a million variations on those themes and many more themes than I can begin to list.
So what are we to do when we hear shame voices? And just whose voice is that, anyway?
Well, I can tell you with assurance whose voice it isn't. It isn't God. The things that voice whispers in my ear are not things a loving heavenly Father would say to his darling daughter. They aren't things even my earthly father would have said. So why do I so often listen and believe that voice?
Even Jesus battled shame voices, and the scriptures tell us exactly whose voice it was. Matthew 4:1 says, "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil (emphasis mine)." Can't you hear his sneering voice saying, "If you're the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." Come on, Jesus. Prove it. It's not unlike that voice I sometimes hear saying, "If you're a real writer you'd be published more by now. Prove that God called you to write. Prove you are who you say you are." But how did Jesus answer the tempter? With scripture. "It is written: 'Man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Three times he countered the attack on who He was with scripture.
We can do the same. Our identity is not found in what we do or where we live, what people say about us, or even how we behave. It certainly isn't what those shame voices try to make us believe.
Here's what your true identity is, as stated in the New Living Translation:
Matt. 5:14 You are the light of the world.
John 15:15 You are a friend of Jesus Christ.
Rom. 8:37 You are overwhelmingly victorious.
1 Cor. 3:16 You are God's temple.
2 Cor. 5:17 You are a new person.
Eph. 2:10 You are God's masterpiece.
Col. 2:10 You are complete in Christ.
James 1:18 You are God's choice possession.
1 John 1:9 You are forgiven.
1 John 3:1 You are a loved child of God.
1 Pet. 2:9 You are chosen.
2 Cor. 3:3 You are a letter from Christ.
2 Cor. 3:12 You are very bold.
Rev. 19:7 You are the bride of Christ.
So the next time you hear that nasty little shame voice whispering in your ear, reject it. Claim one of these verses and say it out loud. "I am God's masterpiece!" Then get back to the abundant living Christ promised us when we have real faith.
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5 comments:
Excellent article, Linda. Thank you!
Why is it we can have 10 signs from God (I call them God Winks) that tell us we are on the right path, and one little whisper can put us off track?
I love that you gave us so many references to call upon when that one little whisper jumps in.
Joy
Great reminder, Linda! Even after we are published, the voices never stop. Sometimes they increase--but knowing the source, I guess that isn't surprising. You'd think we'd realize sooner that if a thought makes us feel afraid, jealous, shameful, unworthy or dumb, then it's NOT God! 8-) And if it isn't God, the source is the father of lies--and we don't believe lies. At least, not if we had the sense God gave a mushroom. I need these constant reminders--so thank you!
Kristi Holl
Writer's First Aid blog
That same voice speaks when you're designing businesses and business plans. I think we hear the voices when we're involved in the things in which God gives us special desires and abilities. I wanted you to know that I so enjoy your writing and find encouragement in your writing. I think God allows your spirit to come through, too. Keep on writing. We love you.
Torrey for both of us
Stumbled on your blog, nice thoughts and great article! :)
Jaime
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