Painted Faces - the masks people wear

Where do your thoughts lead you?

    What do you believe about yourself? A friend once said to me – "if what you believe about yourself does not agree with what God says about you one of you is wrong". Quite a challenging thought really. If you can agree that God is never wrong, where does that leave you?

    Often the thoughts and beliefs we have of ourselves began very early on in our lives. Sometimes they become a constant broadcast in our head, subtly reinforcing these beliefs until they become who we are – or think we are. 

Do you know anyone who repeatedly self- talks – out loud? "I'm so stupid" "I'm just a waste of space" "How dumb can I be?" "trust me...." I certainly do, and it can be quite distressing for those listening to her put herself down many times a day. Until recently it just seemed normal for my Mum to do this, and I didn't think too much about it. Now I try correcting her, reminding her of her true worth and even saying how sad it makes me to hear her talk to herself like that. But nothing changes. Maybe she tries, but until she really believes the truth of what her father God says about her nothing will.

    When negative beliefs and self- talk are so entrenched it can take a huge effort to counteract them. I suggest you look through your Bible and write down exactly what God says about you and who you are. Then read them aloud to yourself every day for 40 days – replace the lies with the truth. 

Be bold! As you wash your face at night, look in the mirror and tell yourself that you are wonderfully made! You are made in God's image, that can only be good! 

He made you of sound mind. 

You are made to be an overcomer, courageous and strong. 

You can do all things, with God by your side! 

You are beloved, wanted. 

God believes in you, even when you don't. Satan wants to rob you of your God-given image. Don't let him. He fights dirty. Don't let him win. You are worth so much more than what he wants you to believe.