I attend a Small Group of folks from my church who get together and talk about our journeys. We’re currently going through John Eldredge’s book, Waking the Dead. The book is talking about spiritual warfare and how demonic spirits try to get a foothold by getting you to make agreements with them.
Now, I think of myself as good at avoiding negative self-talk. But as I’ve become aware of this, I’ve noticed negative statements about myself which I’m tempted to believe.
I think one tip off that the suggestion might be of the devil? It often comes with the word, “See, . . .”
I’ve noticed lately, I keep getting the thought, “See, you’re all alone.”
It came when my toilet broke. It came when I had to call the police about a problem customer at work. It came when my oldest son had a birthday and I remembered really good times in my marriage. It comes when I think about that nice man I found on a dating site — who hasn’t been online since. It even came when my younger son told me he’s applied to graduate early.
How to fight this?
Being aware of these lies, I think, is the first step.
And the next step is rejecting the lies in the name of Jesus. And filling your mind with the opposing truth.
Deuteronomy 31:8 —
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you;
he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Do not be afraid;
do not be discouraged.
And what better way to get truth into your heart than to sing it? I’m going to have to order Kari Jobe’s CD that includes this song, “I am not alone.”
Just read this as I got a reminder in my email about your blog’s latest post and started reading earlier ones.
It reminded me of something that happened years ago – I think 1992. I was living in San Jose and was taking a short trip down to the Fresno area to visit my friend Miriam. I had just returned from a visit to Vietnam, (It was this trip that God used to make me want to go to live there) and the guy I had left my car with actually hadn’t driven it or even started it while I was away.
Here’s another aside – We weren’t dating, but he was a single guy about my age and I think I kind of hoped for some interest from him. But I can’t even remember his name now so it wasn’t a very big hope. And he wasn’t interested in me – and he hadn’t even cared enough to drive the car around the block…
Anyway, the result of my long absence was the battery wasn’t working. I got it started and drove around, but the battery wouldn’t hold the charge well. I went to a shop and bought a new battery, but then the car started fine, so I thought maybe it was OK. So with the new battery on my back seat I started my journey.
I had drive about half way when I stopped at a McDonalds for a drink. It was very hot out – summer in the middle of California. And when I went out to the car it wouldn’t start. There were gas stations, but not close to where I was.
I remember my prayer to God. I’m all alone. No husband, no father, no brother… Can you help me, please?
Just then a man came out of the McDonalds. To make a long story short, he was able to change my battery for me. And I was left with the enduring lesson that God was with me.
Then I like to wonder, what if the man hadn’t come to help? What if I had to walk to one of the gas stations or called a two truck – had to spend more money than I wanted to, he still would have been with me.
But, oh so grateful for the angel who came to my aid in the middle of the California desert. And the reminder that I wasn’t alone!
Thanks, Elizabeth! That’s a good story! And a good reminder….