Negative Voices

Another powerful trigger of anxiety is listening to the wrong voices. Ten spies came back with a negative report, and that one report spread fear like wildfire through the entire camp. The voice of a few created anxiety for a nation.

Words matter. Negative voices magnify fear, stir doubt, and plant seeds of hopelessness. Maybe you have heard them in the form of criticism, gossip, or discouragement. Maybe those voices even came from people you trusted. When you allow them to shape your perspective, anxiety multiplies.

It happens in everyday life too. For me, it never fails: anytime I am about to take a flight, a family member will mention some tragic story about a plane, even if it happened in Timbuktu. Mind you, this person does not even fly, yet they swear they are not afraid. I have a choice in that moment. I can let their words fuel anxiety, or I can rest in knowing those voices do not control me. My peace comes from God, and I can travel without fear.

Negative voices will always exist. The key is deciding which voice will shape your response. Just as Joshua and Caleb chose to believe God’s promise instead of the bad report, you can choose faith over anxiety when the voices around you try to project fear.

Prayer:
Lord, guard my heart against negative voices that stir up anxiety. When others project their fears, remind me that I do not have to carry them. Help me tune in to Your Word as my source of peace and confidence.

Daily Challenge:
Think about one negative voice you have listened to recently. Write down what was said, then cross it out and replace it with a truth from Scripture that brings you peace.