Life is hard. Very hard. I have a close friend who, for many years, was sexually abused by a family member. Her abuser was a member of her church in “good and regular standing.” She was so broken and so damaged for many years. It is just now, in her early 60’s, that she is experiencing healing from that trauma through excellent biblical counseling. For many years she had believed the lies of the enemy—that she had no worth, and that somehow, she was responsible for the sick abuses she suffered. She never was able to develop a healthy sense of her own worth, nor was she able to establish a healthy understanding of the character of God… because she believed lies.
I also had a friend in church who was dying of cancer and he, too, had a very difficult life. Because of bad decisions over the years, and also because of some issues with sexual abuse that he experienced, he had a very difficult time believing that God could forgive him of his many sins. He, too, lived much of his life believing lies.
I remember in my early 20s having the same problem of believing lies. I was convinced that I was unattractive, undesirable, and intellectually incapable, among other insecurities. On top of that were my own battles with personal sins that I could not gain victory over. Then one day my girlfriend invited me to a series of meetings at a local church which opened my eyes to another reality. The truth of God’s Word astounded me like never before. I was set free from the lies of the enemy. The cure for me came through understanding who the real enemy is—and his tactics. The freedom came from learning the truth of God’s Word in every area of my life and applying it accordingly.
Satan is not an imaginary, mythological character with a red jumpsuit, horns, and pitchfork. He is a fallen angel whom the Bible describes as the “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4). He is also our “adversary” who is like a “roaring lion” walking about “seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). He is an “accuser of the brethren” (Revelation 12:10). Worst of all, Satan is the “father of all lies” (John 8:44). He uses every craft in his arsenal to deceive us and keep us, if possible, from believing the truths of God’s Word.
Over the years I have committed to memory the truths of God’s Word that Satan doesn’t want me to believe. Whenever the insecure feelings, fears and the whole host of Satan’s attacks come rushing over me, I recite the truth of God’s Word to get me back on safe ground. Satan immediately flees! (James 4:7)
Treasure Chest of Bible Promises
I have a treasure chest of Bible texts that keep me focused when I am tempted. Maybe these same verses can encourage you when you find yourself slipping into believing the enemy’s lies. Allow the truth of God’s Word to set you on the path of personal freedom in Christ…
- Psalm 139:14—“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” (In times of personal insecurity and doubt.)
- Jeremiah 31:3—“The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” (When I’m feeling unloved.)
- 1 John 1:9—“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (When I need forgiveness.)
- Psalm 103:8—“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.” (A reminder of God’s character.)
- Psalm 103:12—“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” (A reminder that God has redeemed me through His great Grace and Sacrifice.)
- Philippians 4:13—“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (When I am overwhelmed with tasks.)
- Philippians 4:19—“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (When I am in need.)
- Romans 8:28—“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (When I don’t understand.)
- Psalm 91:11—“For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” (When I am afraid.)
Call to Action
There are many, many more promises that help dispel the lies of the enemy. We must take the time to read God’s Word and apply the promises. God cannot lie (Numbers 23:19). Through His Word we can seek the truth and be set free from the snares of Satan. We just need to have faith and believe.
Let us drink in the Truth of God’s Word and allow the Truth to flush out every lie of the enemy!
All scripture taken from the King James Version.
