Who defines you?

The Voice You Believe Determines the Life You Live

Sometimes life isn’t kind.

And sometimes… we aren’t kind to ourselves.

In both cases, we need to dip into the well—the living Word—for encouragement.

Words Hold Power

The Bible says words carry power.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:21, ESV)

“The tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire… no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison.” (James 3:5, 8, NLT)

“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.” (James 1:26, ESV)

“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” (Proverbs 16:24, ESV)

These are warning signs telling us to be careful with what we say—to others and to ourselves. Words matter. Words shape us, our actions, and our reactions.

Lies Versus Truth

Still, here we are in 2025—believing lies about our identity.

Grasping for someone else to imitate, compete with, or compare ourselves to.

Meanwhile, God has called each of us to use our own gifts to glorify Him and live out the purpose and work He has prepared for us.

(Ephesians 2:10)

The Power of a Simple Encouragement

Let me slide back to that point about words.

Recently, I’ve been holding on to things I really need to let go of. The truth is: I can’t fix everything. I can’t fix every situation. And without God—I can’t even fix me. (Which is plenty enough to keep yours truly busy.)

But today, someone looked me in the eye and said, “You are a gift.”

Wow.

I needed to hear that.

Start a Journal of Light

I once read about the idea of keeping a journal of the good things people say—especially in tough seasons. A prayer journal, a gratitude list, a “light in the dark” diary.

I started one today just because.

Here are a few of the things I wrote:

• “You have been a gift to us.”

• “I can’t imagine where we’d be without you.”

• “You’re doing a great job.”

• “I love you.”

• “Your words truly lifted my spirits.”

• “You made my day.”

• “You’re an amazing human being with a contagious personality.”

(And yes—I had to look up “contagious personality.” Google University says it’s a good thing, so I’m accepting it with a laugh.)

Take Every Thought Captive

Often, I think we forget how important it is to take our thoughts captive.

“We take every thought captive to obey Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5, ESV)

Ask yourself:

• Is this thought even true?

• Am I reading into something more than I should?

• Am I allowing the enemy to weaponize a moment that had nothing to do with me?

• Am I controlled by feelings, or by truth?

What God Says About You

Here’s the truth:

What God says about His children are the facts.

You are:

• Understood – “You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.” (Psalm 139:2)

• Significant – “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14)

• Saved by Grace – “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)

• Valuable – “You are worth more than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:31)

• Forgiven – “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12)

• Sanctified – “But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ…” (1 Corinthians 6:11)

• A Masterpiece – “For we are God’s masterpiece…” (Ephesians 2:10, NLT)

• Loved – “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” (Jeremiah 31:3)

• A Child of God – “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1)

Walk in that identity.

That, my friend, is powerful.

A Different Mirror: The Fruit of the Spirit

But here’s another challenge…

You may have heard that you should replace the word “love” with your name in 1 Corinthians 13.

But lately, I’ve been reflecting on the fruit of the Spirit instead.

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22–23, ESV)

So ask yourself:

• Am I loving?

• Am I joyful?

• Am I peaceful?

• Am I patient?

• Am I kind?

• Am I good?

• Am I faithful?

• Am I gentle?

• Am I self-controlled?

What a challenge.

Make Room for the Spirit to Work

Am I allowing the Holy Spirit to speak life into me and through me?

Am I getting out of the way so He can cultivate the soil of my heart to bear fruit in my life?

So many deep thoughts, I know.

But as I try to weave them all together, let me leave you with two of my life verses that sum up my mission on this earth:

• “Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

  
  

• “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25)

Know His Voice, Know Yourself

Friend, life throws curveballs.

So we must know ourselves—and our God—deeply.

Because when the enemy wages war on our families and our hearts, we must be able to stand and defend. We must know His voice.

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27)

One Life-Changing Question

So I’ll leave you with this one question:

Do you know the Shepherd’s voice—and who you are in Him—today?

That question could change everything.

Right now.

(This post was written by me, with Scripture added, and my thoughts organized by ChatGPT.)