Read: 2 Corinthians 10: 3– 5
We need to learn to speak truth to our own hearts. The psalmist says, “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103: 2). To whom is he speaking? The answer is to himself. Martyn Lloyd-Jones said, “Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself?”
We need to take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10: 3– 5). Our problem, says Sinclair Ferguson, is that “we think with our feelings.” We don’t always feel joy in God, but by faith we can tell ourselves that He is our joy. When we find ourselves tempted to engage in sinful behavior, or when we find that our emotions are getting the better of us, we need to speak truth to our hearts. Say the truth to yourself repeatedly so that it sinks in: “God is all I need.” Say it slowly: “God . . . is . . . all . . . I . . . need.” Say it out loud. Say it back to him: “You are all I need.”
“The moment you wake up each morning, all your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job of each morning consists in shoving them all back; in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other, larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in.” C. S. Lewis
It helps if you can identify the specific lies behind your sin and the corresponding truths that will set you free. But you don’t have to be able to analyze your heart in detail. It’s the truth of the gospel that brings change. Over the next four days, we want to identify four life-changing truths about God. Psalm 62: 11– 12 says, “Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God, and that to you, O LORD, belongs steadfast love.”
The key truths that God declares about himself are his greatness and glory (“ power belongs to God”) and his goodness and grace (“ to you, O LORD, belongs steadfast love”).
1. God is great— so we do not have to be in control.
1. God is great— so we do not have to be in control.
2. God is glorious— so we do not have to fear others.
3. God is good— so we do not have to look elsewhere.
4. God is gracious— so we do not have to prove ourselves.
There’s much more to be said about God than is covered by these four truths, but they do offer a powerful diagnostic tool. Here are what Tim Chester refers to as the 4G’s or Four Eternal Truth’s about God. Feel free to download the image to print or keep on your phone at www.c3church.tv/4g
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