READ: PSALM 18:1-19; EPHESIANS 5:8-20

I find myself surrounded by

The lies that tangle through my mind.

It started with just one falsehood of the enemy,

One measure of deceit I did not quell with truth.

Too long I did not let the light break through,

And now I fear I will be stranded in

This web of darkness entrapping me.

In desperation I call to heaven,

A plea for rescue from my oppressors;

In my darkest moment when I feel all hope is lost,

the voice of the Almighty thunders from on high.

His wrath is fierce against those who torment me,

And with a single word my enemies are vanquished.

I take shelter beneath His wings. • Eliana Canfield

• Have you ever felt overwhelmed by lies? Maybe lies that say you could never be forgiven, that God isn’t good, or that there is no hope? God promises to be our refuge and strength whenever we are afraid or in need of help (Psalm 46:1; 91:4). Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, He has already defeated every lie and dark scheme of the enemy. So if we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we are forgiven children of light, and we can “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). And even if we let a lie fester, or we realize we’ve been believing something that’s not true, our loving God wants us to cry out to Him for help. Though the enemy will continue to accuse us, try to deceive us, and tempt us to sin, Jesus is infinitely more powerful. He will help us discern the truth and resist sin through His Spirit, His Word (the Bible) and His people (the church). Consider taking some time to ask God to reveal any lies you’ve been believing and replace them with His truth and love. In addition to talking to God, who are trusted Christians in your life who you can talk openly with and who can help you untangle lies from the truth? (If you want to dig deeper, read John 8:12; 14:6; Romans 8:31-39; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 4:15-16; 6:10-20; 1 Peter 5:6-11; 1 John 1:5; Revelation 12:10.)

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2 (NIV)