The life I live... 
10 Comments The Voices in My Head
There are voices in my head. Too often they are accusing voices – enemies of my heart. I call these accusers the Barking Dogs. Even though they are loud, I often confuse their barks with my own voice. They growl sentences filled with phrases like “less than”,”shouldn’t have”, “never enough”,”fat”,”not enough”, “fake” and on and on it goes. They contribute to my fear of rejection saying “Once they find out what you’re really like or that you’re not as good as_____, they will drop you, fire you, leave you, give up on you. You will never be enough. Hide.”. This voice makes me feel afraid, trapped and old.
There is another Voice in my head. I wish it were louder. I wish it would shout. It doesn’t. This Voice is quiet and gentle and persistent. I never confuse it with my own. His name is Jesus. He speaks words like, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”, “nothing can separate you from my love”, “you are wonderfully made”,”you can because I will strengthen you”, “come to me, I will give you rest”, “as far as the East is from the West so I have forgiven you” and on and on His Word goes. His voice makes me feel afraid, too. But, the fear is different – it’s more like being vulnerable, softer, new, hopeful.
I despise the Barking Dogs but they are familiar and louder. They demand my attention. The Voice of Jesus is becoming more familiar over the years, too. But, I must choose to listen for His voice. I must resist the Growl. Fortunately Jesus’ Words are written down. Hearing His voice makes me thirsty for more. Someday I will be satisfied.
I heard this Tenth Avenue North song today and it encouraged me to listen to the Voice of Jesus. I hope it encourages you, too.
What do your voices say? Who do you listen to?
What an image! I talk about "old tapes that play on repeat", but really, that vicious, snarling thing that wants to tear me up — that's really what it is. Good post. Good reminder to tune my ear instead to the quiet Voice that sings his love song over me. (And you!)
"Voice that sings his love song over me…" Isn't that such a soothing thought? Truly he is Abba. Thank you for your encouragement in your comment and over the years, my friend. =)
I can so relate with those growls and barking dogs. Thanks for the reminder and encouragement that Jesus keeps calling, calling, ever faithful, always there. Keep focusing in on his voice, my friend. And you are special and worthy of his love and my respect. As others have said, thanks for sharing so openly and honestly. Heavenly will have only happy puppies!
Thank you, Pamela, for your encouragement. You're words, sharing and taking time out to read this post mean a lot. Thank you!
Wonderful thoughts to ponder… My voices are sometimes snide jabs. Thanks so much for the encouragement to listen and remember the song that is Jesus.
"Snide jabs" I think I can relate. Thank you for sharing that. Thanks for reading and sharing. "…remember the song that is Jesus." That's beautiful.
Thank you for sharing your poignantly and honestly written words. And thank you for the reminder that Jesus' words never fail, nor grow old. They are the same for all of time and every person–such comfort can be taken in that.
Your welcome, Reggie. Thank you for your encouraging words.
"…Jesus's words never fail…" So true but at times hard to remember or believe. I wonder if the more we practice belief, the more likely we'll practice belief in the future?
such truth here, sista.
never heard this song before – thanks for sharing.
and REMEMBER you ARE more than enough – today and tomorrow. I believe this and i KNOW it.
Thank you, Sista =)