Message In Stanza

“We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5 NLT).

Sometimes in this life it’s hard to hold every thought captive that doesn’t line up with Scripture. I know firsthand. I believe we all do. Have you ever felt like a negative thought escaped your mind that wasn’t a thought you typically don’t think?

Let me give you an example. You look at yourself in the mirror and noticed a small blemish and think to yourself, I wish this wasn’t there, I am ugly.” There is nothing wrong with noticing that wish you had a better outcome with your skin but when you go from observing to judging, that’s where more issues start to rise, because you are enough, just the way you are, blemishes or not. God didn’t say in His word, “Beauty is based on your physical looks.” But it says in 1 Samuel 16:7,

“People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (NIV).

I am not about blaming the devil for all of our woes. We still have free will. And some of our pain comes from our free will, and as you probably know, God can’t interfere with our free will, so if we make a wrong choice there will be consequences.

But sometimes like the example I gave above with the person noticing the blemish in the mirror and calling themselves ugly, do you really believe deep down, does that person finds themselves ugly or does that thought come as a spiritual attack to distract them from the path God has them on?

I personally, believe it can come sometimes as a demonic attack. So what do we do about it?

1. Be patient with yourself. Being patient with yourself and circumstances will allow the self-critical thoughts to lessen.
2. Be patient with others. If others tell you that you are beautiful, accept it, embrace it and love it. God has probably sent loving people into your life to reveal the truth to you. Everything in you wants to resist the truth (that’s a part of the attack) but resist it and tell the person graciously thank you.
3. Look at yourself in the mirror and verbally repeat outload, “I am beautiful.” This doesn’t have to be related to physical beauty, it can be internal beauty as well.
4. Help someone else today. Tell them they are beautiful. Sometimes spreading the love allows you to feel the love back.
5. Pray to God about your internal struggles. It could go something like this, “God sometimes I can be pretty self-critical. Help me to love myself today and know how beautiful I really am, inside and out.” Prayer and praise is the best way to lift off spiritual attack.

I hope these tips help. Please just remember, spiritual attack is nothing to worry about. We have power over the enemy. It says in Luke 10:19,

“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you” (NIV).

But we live in a time where I believe good and evil will increase, so it’s important to know these thoughts are not always yours. Don’t give in to worry. Don’t knock on doubt’s door. Don’t ask fear to come in. Don’t sit down with shame. Remember, my friend, God is good and He loves you.

Prayer:

Dear Lord,

May we all know how vast Your love is and trust You every step of the way. We are beautiful people before You, God. The more we know who we truly are, the more the dark forces will attack us. But we need to not be afraid but trust, pray, and praise You. Also be more patient with ourselves and others, as well as loving ourselves and others more. May we look at ourselves in the mirror today and say, “You are beautiful.” May we honor You today, Lord.

Amen.

~Carly (Message In Stanza)~