How often do you ask yourself, “What’s wrong with me?”
It’s a question I’ve asked myself way too many times: when I forget something important, when I’m late for a meeting, lose my keys, miss deadlines or walk into a room in my house and can’t remember why I went there.
And every time I ask, “What’s wrong with me?” I actually tell myself something is wrong with me.
But one day I got tired of telling myself something was wrong with me. And got tired of trying to figure out my elusive fault so I could change it.
I needed to change the way I talked to myself.
God doesn’t want us berating ourselves with questions and statements that make us feel defective and defeated.
But, we have an enemy who loves to cast a shadow of self-doubt over us by playing into our self-defeating thoughts. He tries to get us to focus on all that is wrong with us (real or perceived), instead of anything that is right with us.
Scripture tells us when Satan lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). The word lie means a falsehood with the intent to deceive.
Satan intends to deceive our hearts by getting us to take our eyes off of who we are in Christ and focus on our flaws — then spend our days figuring out how we can hide them.
One of his goals is to get us to believe lies that leave us feeling inadequate and unsure of ourselves. It’s just what he did with Eve in the garden. In fact, I wonder if Eve might have thought, What’s wrong with me? when she became aware of her inadequacy.
Then the eyes of both [Adam and Eve] were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden…and they hid from the Lord God…But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”
He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” (Genesis 3:7-10, NIV)
In verse 11 God responds with a question, asking Adam who told them they were naked. In other words,“Who told you that something is wrong with you?”
In asking this question, God acknowledged there was someone casting shame on them — and it wasn’t Him.
I believe He wanted them to be aware of their enemy who was whispering lies into their hearts, causing them to move away from Him and from each other. God also wants us to be aware that we have an enemy who is constantly trying to convince us that we’re inadequate and that something is wrong with us.
Sadly, we often go along with Satan’s lies and live like they are true. Rarely do we stop to ask, “Who is saying these things? Who is causing me to doubt myself? Is there something from my past that led me to believe this? Or is it the enemy of my soul disguising his voice as my own?”
Satan’s schemes are the same for us as they were for Eve. But we don’t have to go along with him. Instead we can refuse his lies and refute his accusations with these truths:
- When you feel defeated, remember God says, “In all these things [you] are more than [a conqueror] through him who loved [you]…” (Romans 8:37, NIV)
- When you feel worthless, remember God says, “You are precious and honored in my sight, and . . . I love you.” (Isaiah 43:4, NIV)
- When you feel inadequate, remember God says, “‘You are my witnesses,’ declares the Lord, ‘and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he.’” (Isaiah 43:10, NIV)
Which encouraging truth do you need to hold onto this week?
With Christ (in) you, there is nothing wrong with you. Don’t let anyone, not even yourself, convince you otherwise.
~Renee Swope, author of A Confident Heart
Partial excerpt from Renee’s book, 60 Days to Stop Doubting Yourself: A Confident Heart Devotional
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Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Renee,
I have to admit that since I struggle with OCD and depression, the enemy REALLY plays upon this and tries to get a foothold. I have to be cautious to not even crack the door open. If a burglar or thief stood outside my door, I wouldn’t even crack the door open. I wouldn’t listen to what he had to say. I’ve learned to hold the enemy’s lies up to the TRUTH. If what he says about me, doesn’t match up with what God’s Word says about me, then I need to slam the door on him but quick and kick him to the curb. He (the creep) wants to drag us into an arguing match. He wants us to engage with his lies. The less I even give him the time of day, the better off I am. I also keep an “emergency” kit of scriptures handy (like the ones you quoted) so that I can fill my mind with whatever is lovely, pure, and true. Great and needed post!!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Jeannie says
Bev, Thanks for the analogy of a burglar who’s not to be trusted. A good visual for many souls struggling out there.
Debra says
Bev – I love your analogy of the burglar – I love love love your idea of an “emergency kit of scriptures” – this will be my task for today!!! – thank you for these offerings today!!!
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Debra,
I’ve found both these “tools” very helpful. I’m a visual person so if I visualize the burglar at the door when the enemy is trying to barge into my mind….it helps. My spiral bound index cards of scripture are a well worn “emergency kit”. Since it’s small and light…it travels well 😉
Blessings,
Bev xx
Debra says
Well off to Staples I go to purchase my ‘ward off the enemy’ supplies to create my ’emergency kit of scriptures’ – thanks again for your wonderful offerings!!! – a grateful Deb xo
Renee Swope says
Bev, thank you so much for sharing your vulnerability and your strategy. You are one very wise woman!! I struggle with depression and anxiety too, and there are days when it catches me off guard. The bully of a relentless a self-critic will start into me and I have to be very careful to recognize it quickly, as well. Like you, I’ve got to be armed with the truth beforehand so I can turn to Jesus in my time of need. Praying we are both strengthened in HIS grace, love and truth today!!
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Renee,
I share because if I can help anyone else dealing with anxiety, depression, and the enemy knowing he can us those to tear me/us down, then I want to share what I’ve learned so maybe I can encourage someone else who is struggling. I’m sorry you deal with this too….it’s a nasty combination, but like you said, when things are even keel – that’s the time to pour scripture into our minds so that it’s there as a lifeline when the enemy with his lies comes calling. Praying your prayer over both of us today, as well!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Renee Swope says
PS. Love your analogy of a burglar. So good!
Michele Morin says
Thank you, Renee, for front-loading truth to our brains at the end of a long week so our hearts can follow with a right understanding of just how very loved we are.
Blessings to you!
Jeannie says
Yes, Michele, a pleasant way to begin preparing our hearts for our Sabbath…
Michele Morin says
I love easing into the weekend with a strong dose of truth.
Renee Swope says
I love that phrase — front-loading!
You and Bev for the win today on powerful word pictures!
Michele Morin says
Happy to be included in any category with Bev!
Jeannie says
Renee, Thank you for sharing this wisdom, and the scripture to fend off enemy advances. Praying for the impact of your devotional as well ~
Renee Swope says
Thank you Jeannie!!
Meme says
Just what I needed from God today. I’m actually saddened because it’s truth that I wanna hide from. The father of my children constantly degraded and berates me. It’s been going on for so long I actually am able to bury it and deny it’s existence but it hurts. So I decided Monday was the last day to receive these messages from him and come what may I’m going to press harassment charges and file for an order of protection on Sunday so I’m certain my children won’t be with him when the law comes knocking. I don’t wanna do it but I know God wants me to stop listening to Satan lies so I’m going to take a step to shut the doors.
Renee Swope says
Oh Meme, you are doing the right thing in setting a guard around your heart and mind. You are taking a brave Jesus-trusting step!! I am so proud of you as your sister in Christ. Praying for you and your children today. May the healing power of God’s truth reign in your hearts and in your home!!
nc says
Thank you Renee. All the time I feel defective and defeated for all I do not cope with. And I can’t shake loose of my 40 year old daughter’s fake charges against me and all the trauma that she has sentenced me to, when 5 years ago she decided to call all the good I did for her in her life as “bad.” I am going to purpose to begin today, with the Lord’s help, to follow what you have said. And yesterday’s also I believe/hope will help me with a new beginning, which I so desperately need. Thank you again for sharing.
Becky Keife says
nc, I can’t begin to understand what you’ve been through, but I stand in hope with you that healing and freedom are possible in Christ. I’m thankful Renee’s words encouraged your heart today and am praying for you now that God will help you take each thought captive as you wrestle through the lies to find the truth of who you are (in) Christ.
Tyra says
Thank you Renee. This week I’ve been focusing on recalibrating my thoughts. I am intent on practicing the art of meditating on that which is pure lovely true and praiseworthy. I’ve had to cast down imagination of lack and remind myself that I have life and have it more abundantly. I pray you too hold fast to the truth of His promises. Because you’ve come with this word to set the captives free, the enemy is not pleased but RIGHT NOW I declare that no weapon formed against you shall prosper. His favor surrounds you as with a shield. Be blessed.
Joey Rudder says
Thank you for this post, Renee. I’ve been saying those very words (“What’s wrong with me?”) lately as I’m waiting to hear from God. I haven’t been waiting very well, grumbling etc. and my mind has been scattered all over the place like a pinball machine. I kept asking God when I couldn’t focus and stick to one thing, “What’s wrong with me?” I was seriously getting upset with myself. Thank you for reminding me that the enemy is going to do all he can to lie and make me believe there is something so imperfect about me. While reading your post I was reminded of a time in my past when I was afraid to do something and told God, “I trust You. It’s me I don’t trust. I don’t want to mess this all up.” I heard very gently in my spirit, “How can you say you trust Me and not you when I’m in you?” I love how God teaches and later brings those lessons back to teach me again. Thank you again, Renee! I’m holding onto Isaiah 43:4 and 1 John 4:4, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
Pearl Allard says
Joey, this touches me. Thank you for sharing a bit of your story and those verses. Hugs!
Joey Rudder says
Thank YOU, Pearl! Your kindness blesses me. Blessings to you!
Little Mary says
Love your experience and the Lord’s patient reply!! I can totally relate to the situation! Thanks for sharing it and the verses, I was blessed by that today (since I have the tendency to forget how patient and gracious and LOVING the Lord is…which His reply to you reminded me of, once again 🙂 !
Blessings to you!!
Joey Rudder says
Oh my, you are not alone! I sometimes forget how God rescued me from a situation (why do I DO this?!) and something (like this post) will bring it all back and then the Holy Spirit nudges me and reminds me what God has done and how the rescue unfolded or the Word He used to teach me. I’m truly thankful He’s so patient in teaching me! Blessings to you too!! 🙂
Debra says
Thank you Renee for this timely sharing – I so needed this reminder today!!!
Cindy says
Renee, your words spoke volumes to me this morning. Bev couldn’t have said it better and I echo her response! I suffer from depression (and low self esteem) as well and the enemy is constantly at my door trying to break in, bring me down and make me feel useless and valueless. I have asked. “What’s wrong with me?!” so often in my life. I have believed the lies too many times. It’s just like Bev said, I wouldn’t open the door to a burglar! Why do I allow the enemy to get his foot inside when I have such beautiful truths and promises from God?! I am going to write down the truths/scripture you mentioned (because I struggle with each category) and post them where I will be reminded daily of how much my Heavenly Father loves me and I don’t have to listen to the lies anymore! I also just ordered your devotional and can’t wait to be even more encouraged! Thank you for your much needed and timely post! God bless you!
Cary says
Good post and a much needed reminder, but there is a reading from Oswald Chambers on 1/26/18 (today) that really is profound to what we experience in our daily lives in spite of our faults and failings. Thank you for your post.
Pearl Allard says
Renee, I ask “what’s wrong with me?” FAR too often. I think the verses you shared would make great wall decor as a constant reminder! So grateful for your encouragement; it was much needed. Thank you.
Cheryl says
Thank you for your wisdom, Renee. It always feels like your speaking right to me, saying the things I need to hear in that moment. God is certainly using you in a powerful way.
Beth Williams says
Renee,
I often hear & believe the lies from the evil one. He’s sneaky. Only does it when I’m down on myself for a mistake or upset with something or someone. Like Jesus I shout “Get thee behind me Satan”. Then I start quoting scripture at him. I store my emergency kit of scriptures in my heart & mind to recall when necessary. We need to realize that when we call ourselves something-idiot, stupid, dumb, ugly, etc. then we are calling Jesus the same thing. We were made in His likeness. Put good thoughts in your head daily & tell the devil to take a HIKE!!
Blessings 🙂
Milagros says
Renee, what a timely and powerful message! The adversary goes about roaring like a lion, to see whom he may devour. The enemy of our souls is relentless. I myself have been filled with self doubts, comparing myself and my life to others. Your words serve to remind me of God’s unwavering love for me, and that He has a good plan for me. Thank you, Renee.
Geralyn Miller says
This hit the heart of the matter. To love God, I must learn to love His Creation…
ALL if His Creation…and He
created me.
Heather L. Mattern says
Thank you, Renee. It is something I fear many of us struggle with today, but few of us discuss publicly. You candid insights into your own struggles with Satan’s lies are helping others grow stronger in God ‘s loving truth. I have found it true myself that God wants us to share these things with one another so that we may find hope and healing together in His light. The enemy would prefer that we suffer alone in the cold shame of his darkness. May God bless you. Thanks, Heather
Becky Keife says
“Satan intends to deceive our hearts by getting us to take our eyes off of who we are in Christ.” Yes! Such a poignant reminder, Renee. Thank you for bringing this to light. xoxo
karyn says
a perfect and necessary post!