The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
-Proverbs 29:25, KJV
Evicting the voices and judgments of others in our heads is a hard thing to do.
This is doubly so when the person who spoke destructive things about us was someone whom we loved. Their words have weight because they were close to us.
Such is true even in situations without infidelity and its abuses present.
My encouragement to those who struggle with this eviction project is to dwell upon what the Lord says. This is an active way to “fear” the Lord more than “man.”
We can remind ourselves that we are not under condemnation (Romans 8:1).
We can remind ourselves that God chose us and wanted us from the foundation of the world (see Ephesians 1:4).
We can remind ourselves that Jesus loves us so much that he calls us by name (see John 10:3).
These are just a few truths we can “weaponize” against the lies swirling in our heads. We can turn them into prayers thanking God for these truths about us.
- “Thank you, Lord, that I am not under condemnation because your word says as much for people like me, those who are in Christ (Romans 8:1). Help me to know this truth in my heart. Amen.”
- “Thank you, Lord, that you chose me from the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4). Whatever rejection from other people I experience, I can know that you want me and have always wanted me. Thank you! Help me to know this truth in my heart. Amen.”
- “Thank you, Jesus, that you know me intimately and call me by name (John 10:3 and 10:14-15). Help me to know and feel that love deep in my heart. Amen.”
