Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Shutting out the voices

I awoke this morning to the sound of my neighbor calling her dog. Lex has a tendency to go her own way and get in trouble for it. Obviously she was not obedient today for as I was sipping my second cup of coffee and watching Beth Moore on Life Today... there was Lex on my deck... in the cold... and in the rain. Poor, wet, cold, disobedient pup.

That's the way I've been feeling lately. (If you remember my pity party not too long ago.) I've gotten over that but there are times the enemy of our souls whispers in my ear "what did you do to deserve this?". God has to be mad at you or you wouldn't be suffering so from the pain of illness and the frustrations of "being in need".

If we're not careful, we talk ourselves into not praying for God's redemption from the pit because of this lie told to us from "that voice". From what I've been told, the illness from which I suffer was most likely caused by a perfect storm of a virus or infection coming at a time of extreme stress. Yes, there was such a time. There were many instances, actually.

Could I have avoided it by having more faith? Perhaps I became ill because I was drinking too much Pepsi and overloaded my pancreas? I know, I got sick because I was so angry with my husband that I spent too long in unforgiveness. That has to be it, right?

As I thought of Lex this morning, the warm and loving Voice overwhelmed that which I need to shut out. It doesn't matter. Nothing I did or did not do may have brought on the suffering at this time in my life. It truly doesn't matter.

His mercies are new every morning. He holds us in the palm of His hand. He says if we come before Him asking for forgiveness, our sins are as far as the East is from the West. He doesn't remember them so if there is a voice whispering in our ear about our past failures... that voice does not belong to the only One whose opinion counts. He does not bring up the past and He tells us not to fear the future.

He walks with us in the here and now... we can go boldly before the throne of Grace being washed white as snow and pure before Him.

We can ask for Provision even if a voice is whispering our problems are our own fault (whether they are or not).

We can ask for Healing even if our own disobedience has brought about illness or because we live in a fallen world.

We can intercede for a loved one to come to the Creator of the Universe no matter what the past has shown or has been done.

As I was watching Lex through the windows of the french door, that is what the true Voice whispered to me. For unlike that poor pup, we have a Lord who is waiting to dry us off, set us by a warm fire, read to us Words of faith and encouragement, and present us to the Father... for that which Jesus begins He will also finish.

As long as we have faith in the correct Voice and trust and believe.

Picture: Nostalgia mini; allposters.com

16 comments:

Anita said...

Amen and amen

Vee said...

Isn't that just the way? We feel that we have no one to blame but ourselves for whatever the trouble is. "I'm being punished" we think. I agree with you, nothing could be farther from the truth. God bless you today, Brenda. Thank you for a beautiful post.

Angela said...

This is so timely. Just an hour ago I was on my knees praying and the voices were SCREAMING almost similiar to what you wrote, "what did you do to deserve this?". God has to be mad at you or you wouldn't be suffering so from the pain of illness and the frustrations of "being in need".
thank you my beloved sister for this truly 'God's timing' post. I have been greatly ministered...((hugs))

Kimberly said...

I have fought against this voice since losing Jimmy. It may have been something I did. Logically, it probably wasn't. I know that when I learn why, I'll no longer care as I'll be in heaven with Jesus. It'll no longer matter. Wasting my life now wondering does not good. This world is full of pain, sin, sickness, death. But only this world.

Ginny said...

Brenda, Those voices tell me that we lost jobs because we don't know how to be good stewards of our money, and that I am sick because I did not live a good enough life when I was younger, and that why bother to pray because nothing changes anyway.........Then I have to stop and think of Phil.4:6-7
"Have no anxiety at all, but in everything by prayer and petition, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and minds in Christ Jesus."
God bless you,
ginny

Quinne said...

Hi Brenda :) It's a joy to visit with you a little while today!

I have a challenge sometimes when the baby is crying hard - thinking, "Oh, sweetie, there is so much to cry about!" And I just cry right along with her.

That happened last night - after a LONG night up and down on Monday night and a LONG day yesterday with barely napping. Ugh! So we wept and then snuggled.

Today the Father brought us another NEW day fresh with His mercies, and He has given us a joyful one. I am so thankful! Love and hugs, Q

gail said...

God Bless You Brenda,

May your day just get better and better. You're in my prayers. Yes we all hear those voices from the one who would try to steel our freedom and joy, but by writing about it in your blog you are in fact reminding us all to choose joy and freedom in our Lord. He is useing your pit days to teach us so in fact you are doing His will even when you're off colour. Thankyou dear friend

Anonymous said...

Great post, Brenda! Thanks for sharing these wise words.

Anonymous said...

Father, I pray that you would reach down with your healing mercy today and touch this sweet sister who needs to know Your strength and provision. Please make Yourself recognizable to her in a very real way. Send your children to hold up her arms while the battle rages in her life, and may Your great name be honored through her life today.

Angela said...

I linked your blog in my devotional today to have other's be ministered also to this amazing post...((hugs))

Anonymous said...

Wow, how often I feel like that little pup. The sin of our thoughts is a newer area of focus for me -- the negative voices egged-on by Satan nearly destroy us -- how difficult it is to scratch to the top edge of the pit gasping for air and taking those thougths captive. Blessings to you.

Susan B said...

God bless you Brenda. Thank you.

teacup said...

Hi Brenda,

Just found your blog today. What a blessing. I love the Lord, tea, teapots, friends, homeschooling. this will be a fun journey!!

Anonymous said...

I am an avid lurker who enjoys your blog. Who knew that I would come here last night after praying for guidance and find your "voices" entry...thank you for being part of my "God" moment and for such a beautiful post.

Wanita said...

Your words are so true, Brenda. In the noise and chaos of the world, it can be hard to hear the Lord and the truth He speaks to us. You reminded me that we need to be sure to take time to be quite and listen for Him.

Blessings,
Wanita

Anonymous said...

Thanks for such a deep writing. I am amazed at the depth of Christian women. I too often hear those voices from the enemy, but you are so right that when the Lord forgives us, He REALLY forgives us! Vicki