The Fight for Joy The Fight for Joy | Page 18

God created us to glorify him and that is the one quest that leaves us satisfied. Another is the Great Com- mission. God has called us wherever we are to be his fishermen and disciple-makers (not mere convert- ers). He has called us to be light and salt and bring souls to him. Some scriptures on purpose are 1 Peter 2:9, Jeremiah 29:11, Ephesians 2:10, Matthew 28:18-20, Psalm 139:13-14. There are other lies the devil throws at us especially in different seasons. The devil tells us we have strayed too far away and cannot be forgiven. We tell him God sent his son to take our sins and defeated Satan and he’s intercessor and judge (Romans 8:33-34), We also tell him that where sin increases, grace multiplies even the more (Romans 5:20). The devil tells us that we will never overcome a struggle, we tell him we will not by might or power but by Gods spirit (Zachariah 4:6). The devil tells us we won’t make it and we’re not good enough. We tell him God works in our weakness (2 Cor 12:9), We tell him God will never leave us (Deut 31:8), We tell him Gods love is perfect and it casts out fear (1 John 4:18), We read out the Psalms to silence him – Psalm 131, Psalm 23, Psalm 91. There are scores of other lies and the responses. I’d give this advice. When you feel a lie or life situation confronts you, google biblical verses on it and read the word. Now I did not say reading the word will silence the lies immediately. Remember this is a war but not one with physical weapons. You have to keep reading the word and telling yourself what it says till your mind accepts it – you force it till you believe it. We sing these verses like nursery rhymes and memory verses till they ring true. Music also helps a lot in these areas – I’d be sure to add some verses on these lies to the glossary. One of the most helpful songs to me is ‘Voice of Truth’ by Casting Crowns. The chorus says ‘But the voice of truth tells me a different story The voice of truth says do not be afraid The voice of truth says this is for my glory Out of all the voices calling out to me I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth” 11