Encircle Me

There are some days that are harder than others.  There are some days when self-doubt and fear drum away in the corner of my mind.  There are some days when accusation and anxiety clash their cymbals over and over again, raising a ruckus.  There are some days when a chorus of insecurity plays over and over again.

The longer I let myself sit as an audience to this band of reproach, the louder and more enthusiastically they play.

So here’s what I do these days.  I reach for God’s Word.  I reach for the words of Spirit and Life.  When I refuse to give ear to the uninvited band and open my heart to the voice of Jesus, a different song begins to play.

When I encircle myself with the truth of what God speaks to me, about me, and for me, insecurity becomes confidence in who He is, in who He says I am.  Self-doubt becomes His perfect strength in my weakness.  Accusation becomes my story of redemption, the melody of grace.  Anxiety becomes faith in His goodness, in His purpose for me.  The fullness of His love leaves no room for fear.

It’s a choice for me ~ and some days it’s a fight ~ to resist the lies and to purposefully tune into the words of truth.

But these words are our defense and our greatest weapon against the darkness that tries to infiltrate our hearts.  And when we pick them up, when we open our ears to Him and ask Him for a new song ~ even in the presence of our enemies, He lifts up our heads and puts our feet on steady ground.  He is near to us when we call Him, our help and our strong Deliverer.  We are more than conquerors ~ we have overwhelming victory ~ over all these things through the Savior who loves us.

I’m holding onto this book even more tightly these days, and His words daily hold me together.

Wrap us in Your truth, God.  Hold our hands steady as we hold Your word.  Open our ears to hear the song You sing over us, the song of deliverance and delight. 

For the Lord your God is living among you.
    He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
    With His love, He will calm all your fears.
    He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
    ~ Zephaniah 3:17, NLT

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