“I blew it again.”
Do you ever say things like that to yourself?
Me too. Just today in fact.
I’m in the process of writing a book on the spiritual side of depression, and just yesterday I fell prey to the mini-version of it myself. Again.
Have you ever had one of those days where the tears roll for no apparent reason? And no matter what you do to make them stop, they keep on flowing like the spray at a carwash?
But here’s the thing…I know what to do. I am that doctor who has gone through it, who is writing the book about what to do, and who teaches others.
I am also the one the enemy wants to silence. He doesn’t want us to be victorious in our own lives, and he certainly doesn’t want us to teach anyone else how to be. That makes us a double threat.
The first place he tries to attack me is in my thinking. And he did it again when I heard his whisper and accepted it as truth, “What is wrong with me? I’m supposed to have the answers. No one will believe me now. I blew it again.”
So as I wiped away the tears, and shook aside the cobwebs, I returned to the truth.
Who gave me the dream to speak and write, to spread hope and help? God did.
Who pulled me out of the grip of depression when it threatened my life? God did.
Who taught me how to fight not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms? God did.
Whose love for me is everlasting, even when I blow it? And whose grace is sufficient for me, even in my weakness? God’s is.
And that, my friend, is the truth on which we must stand to fight against every lying whisper of the enemy who seeks to attack our confidence and esteem.
The truth is that God sees us as worthy, for he has redeemed us, and nothing else matters.
“I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.” Isaiah 44:22
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So true! We so need to know the Truth, cause in those times when we can’t lift our heads, the Holy Spirit brings it to our remembrance. Countless times, when I have struggled with fears and doubts, it’s His still small voice reminding me of the Truth. His Word brings life and freedom.
I couldn’t agree more Debbie! I’m so grateful we aren’t in this alone. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us, reminds us, and guides us in all truth! Blessings!
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Love this. Always a good reminder when we mess things up. I sure needed it!
So glad to hear it Dube! We all need the reminder now and then!
even the truth that He loves us and isn’t going to disinherit us for what we have done when we blow it, is encouraging truth to know! we still part of the family and he delights in His children! so touching to know! (zeph. 3:17)
Yes Martha, the truth that He loves us unconditionally, with an everlasting love, is balm to our brokenness and disappointment with ourselves! It’s His opinion that matters, and only His.
Truths for the weary soul. Thank you, Michelle!
His truth is perfect for the weary soul. Praying for you Sweet One!
This is great! Thank you so much for writing this! We all have those moments in life.
We sure do…all of us! Breathe in deep. He’s got you covered!
It looks as if you and I have a similar post this week – perhaps they stem from similar experiences. If you’d like to read mine it can be found here http://thinkingonthesethings.com/what-good-is-dry-ground/
God is always seen best in the most improbably circumstance.
Andrew, thanks for stopping by!! God is all around…I think sometimes He delights in showing Himself in the improbable so we know it’s Him. Blessings my friend. I look forward to reading your blog!
That image is powerful, Dr. Michelle. And thanks for being so vulnerable with us too. It makes you that much more real. I love it!
Many thanks Amy! I always love to see your encouraging face and words on my site! Hopefully in the vulnerability it provides hope and help, beauty from ashes.
Such comforting words when we feel like we are “done” and “can’t do another thing” or weary. Love your words “The truth is that God sees us as worthy, for he has redeemed us, and nothing else matters.”
I firmly believe that Clare…Nothing. Else. Matters. Now let’s live like we believe it! Blessings.
Another inspiring post. I love the way you keep it real.
You’re so encouraging and uplifting Mary! Just being obedient to His leading. Thanks for coming by and bringing a smile to my face! Blessings!
Wise words, my friend–and ones I needed to read today. Only God can save us from ourselves (and we so often become our own worst enemy).
Oh Anita, I’m so glad God met you where you needed Him today. Our hope comes from the fact that He saves us…completely, in all things, if we will surrender to Him.
I do too often feel like I blew it. Maybe I burned dinner or didn’t get it made in time for my second-shift husband to take to work and he’ll have to order out. Or I forgot a permission slip for school or forgot to pay a bill. These things make me feel like a failure of epic proportions. The truth is, I’m not a failure. I’m a human. Thank you for reminding me of that and that God loves me!
I think your experience is common to most of us Melanie! The enemy would have us all believe that such situations are failures and thus detract from our worth. But truth is, God loves us No matter what, and because He knew we were incapable of perfection, He sent His perfect son to die for us. End. of. Story. No perfection required. You are already victorious in Jesus!! Celebrate!
A beautiful reminder of an important truth….thank you!
My pleasure Dara! Thanks so much for stopping by, and for taking the time to comment. Much appreciated! Blessings to you.
Very good points! If God has put a dream on your heart, it is only a matter of time before the enemy will try to snatch it away. Thanks for the encouragement to keep on keeping on this morning!
Miranda, you said the key word “try”. The enemy will try to snatch it away but if God placed a dream in our heart, He will see it through to completion!
The same thing happened to me while I wrote Beckoned by the King! You would think because I was in His presence, listening and writing what He spoke that my attitude and nature would be sterling. Not so. What God showed me through it all was that He does want my nature and character to be sterling…which is why He has the Refiner’s Fire at our disposal!! Michelle, I pray your tongue will be as the pen of a ready writer and all your words will flow straight from the Fountain of Living Waters and that God will bless the work of your hands.
That blesses me greatly Jeannie! I agree with you and humbly receive those prayers on my behalf! Thank you!
Love this…”I am also the one the enemy wants to silence. He doesn’t want us to be victorious in our own lives, and he certainly doesn’t want us to teach anyone else how to be. That makes us a double threat.”
and this…”Whose love for me is everlasting, even when I blow it? And whose grace is sufficient for me, even in my weakness? God’s is.”
I am not sure that there is much more that I can add to this. Except “Amen” and thank you so much for putting this out there. I needed to hear this today, and remind myself of it, everyday!
Nikki, I am so blessed when readers like you share how the Lord used my pen to encourage them. Oh how He loves you so! I hope you’ll come back often! Hope Prevails!
AMEN!!! I have often said a similar quote- It is in the darkness that God shines the brightest light. Simply to flash His Hope like a beacon in the night. I love that you know EXACTLY what is going on, you can claim it all as lies and fight them with TRUTH.
Carry on, warrior.
I SO appreciate your encouragement. The lies and secrets that prosper in darkness will wither and lose their power when they are exposed to His light! Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to encourage! Blessings!
A good reminder to get back to what God has said about you and your situation!
Cheryl, thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment! That blesses me. God has so much to say to us, if we will just listen! He’s so good. Hope Prevails!
“God sees us as worthy…nothing else matters.” Amen to your encouraging words of Truth, Dr. Michelle.
Blessings ~ Wendy ❀
Thanks Wendy! I pray His truth encourages someone today! So glad you stopped by! Hope to see you again soon. <3
This is exactly what I needed to hear today! Years ago God put it in my heart to want to help others with marriage after going through a horrible situation in my own. Every time I tried to start doing something I would be reminded of the past or my husband would be angry at me and I would think “how could I possibly help others when I have been such a failure and there are days my husband can’t stand me?” but then later I am reminded that God placed that desire in me and that through my failures I can help others. God comforts us in our pain so we can comfort others. Thank you for your wise words and it helps to know that others experience that too!
Stephanie, if God puts a dream in your heart and you will surrender your own picture of what it should look like, He will bring it to pass! The enemy is threatened by our God-given dreams and would like to convince us that our failures disqualify us, when in actuality, God often uses our biggest messes to be our greatest ministry to others. Hold fast to His truth, Dear One! That’s the only thing that matters!! Hope Prevails!
Thanks so much for this incredible reminder that we need to remember the truth we all know rather than falling prey to the lies of the enemy. Blessings to you and yours.
You’re most welcome Heather. I need that reminder myself sometimes. The enemy will take whatever opportunity he can to convince us of his lies, so we must do as Scripture says and remain alert, standing on the truth of His word. Thanks for coming by!
One of my favourite quotes is “God can take our broken pieces and make them into Masterpieces”. Thank you for this share!
Beautiful quote Joanne! Thanks for sharing. It fits perfectly with this post.
Visited from Juana’s link up party. Hope things are improving for you. Thank for such an authentic post. KB
I’m doing great, thanks! Had to get back to the truth and fix my eyes on things above. Thanks for visiting KB!
Glad to hear this! Best wishes!
Hi Dr.
I’m not that religious, but I was inspired by your words. I’m not religious so I don’t know. No offense, but can you not say “devil”? Anyway, thanks for coming to the Inspire Me Monday Linky party. I’m Janice, one of your hostesses. Check back to mycurrentnewsblog.com tomorrow to see if yours was chosen as most inspirational. Definitely in contention.
Janice, I’m so glad you stopped by, and I appreciate you choosing my blog as most inspirational. That’s very kind of you. I hope you’ll come back and visit sometime! Blessings.
Word!
Thanks Mitch! Hope you’ll stop by again.
Powerful and inspiring. Thanks for sharing DrMichelle. Sharing this…
Thank you for your kind words Davida, and for the share! I pray it blesses your readers!
Such powerful words here, DrMichelle. We will never be able to detect the enemy’s lies until we’re solidly grounded in the truth of God’s Word. And there’s no better way to spend our time than getting to know the God of truth; being able to combat deceptions that come our way is the icing on a very delicious cake. 🙂 I’m glad you linked up with us at Grace & Truth! May God continue to bless your ministry and expand your territory, for His glory.
That is so true Jennifer – we Must be grounded in the truth of God’s Word. It’s the army we take into battle against the enemy. I’m so glad you stopped by – I hope to see you here again!