DEVOTION: MAY 6

I have a list. It’s not written down anywhere, but it’s certainly memorized. It’s a list of things I think or speak over myself at any given moment. Words that are more negative than positive. Words that if spoken to a friend would cut them deeply; words that if spoken to my daughter, would wound her for life and I’d have to cut someone for it.

These words are so damaging, so draining, and yet I believe them about myself without a second thought. As I’ve mentioned, they’re second nature. They play across my mind and spirit like a marquee without consideration at all.

But what if I don’t want to believe that list anymore? What if I want to change the narrative with intention and purpose? It’s not as easy as just choosing not to believe it anymore; I have to replace them. Pull out the weeds, then plant the flowers. Water the words, then watch them grow.

Maybe you need a list, too. Maybe you’re tired of the same old song playing on repeat in your soul as well. I made a new list for us. Its a written list; one we haven’t yet memorized, but need to. A list of words directly from God, spoken to us and over us, to breathe life into your weary spirit.

Words like…

Chosen. Holy. Blessed. Faithful. Predestined. Loved. Ordained. Adopted. Forgiven. Joined. Redeemed. Wise. Purposed. New. Claimed. Sealed. Marked. Remembered. Called. Strengthened. United. Raised. Lavished. His poetry. (Ephesians 1 and 2)

Known. Understood. Spared. Seen. Guided. Radiated. Formed. Shaped. Woven. Complex. Cherished. Planned. Examined. Led. (Psalm 139.)

Mature. Nourished. Strong. Living stones. Assembled. Holy priests. Set apart. God’s people. (1 Peter 2.)

Freed. Loving. Joyful. Peaceful. Patient. Kind. Good. Faithful. Gentle. Self-controlled. (Galatians 5)

And these are only just a few.

What if we dared to believe these words instead of our old ones? What if we dared to live these words? How would your every day change if this list was rooted deep in your heart, watered in prayer and study, and lived out intentionally?

What if we made our own list and kept adding to it every time we read the Word of God?

This list is who we are. If we’re going to be who we are, let’s be. who. we. are. We are not the sum of our strengths and weaknesses, our gifts and talents, our sins and flaws. We are the sum of what our Father and heaven has spoken to be true. And He has called that good. It’s time we do, too.

“Then God looked over all that he had made, and it was excellent in every way.” (Genesis 1:31, The Living Bible)

—Monica