Free From a Tormented MindNäide

What we hear does not define reality!

David suffered a crisis of faith after hearing Saul's threats. He said, “Someday I'll be killed by Saul's hand…”, 1 Samuel 27:1 (NIV). And what happened in the end? Saul died, and David was promoted to become king of Israel in his place. What David heard and felt was not reality. God was about to promote him, not eliminate him as he believed.

Elijah doubted divine protection when he heard Jezebel's threats: “… I will kill you…”. When Elijah heard this, he was so scared that he fled… he was so sad that he wanted to die…”, 1 Kings 19:2-4 (NLT).

The lie Elijah heard and then believed sparked deep feelings of fear. His eyes saw a reality that was not the true reality. And how do we know? Because Jezebel was thrown down, and Elijah was taken up to heaven without experiencing death, 2 Kings 2:11. The true reality was that God had not abandoned him, and Elijah still had an extensive ministry ahead, 1 Kings 19:15-16.

The devil often stands by our side to tell us things that are not true. He tells us that we are finished, that we do not matter, and that God is unaware of us and indifferent to our lives.