Overcoming Negative Influences | Pastor Nate Keeler
Words have power. You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” It’s catchy, but it’s a lie. Words can hurt more deeply and last longer than physical wounds. Rejection, ridicule, or belittlement leaves scars that influence our beliefs about ourselves and our actions for years.
What about you? What words have stuck with you? Maybe it was a parent’s harsh critique, a sibling’s teasing, or rejection from peers. These moments can create “negative scripts”—persistent inner dialogues that echo lies like:
- “I’ll never be good enough.”
- “No one could ever love me.”
- “I’ll never overcome this addiction or failure.”
These scripts aren’t just self-critical thoughts. They’re tools the enemy uses to exploit our vulnerabilities and doubts about God’s goodness. But here’s the good news: we don’t have to live in defeat. Like David, we can let God’s voice become the loudest and most powerful influence in our lives.
David’s Secret to Facing Giants
David was no stranger to hurtful words. His older brother Eliab mocked him, and King Saul doubted him. Yet, David didn’t let their opinions shape his identity. How? He anchored his heart in the truth of God’s Word.
David’s security wasn’t in himself but in what God said about him. Consider Psalm 139:14: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” David knew he was created by God for a purpose, and that gave him the courage to step into his calling, even when others doubted him.
When Saul offered his armor for the battle against Goliath, David declined. He didn’t need it because his trust wasn’t in human strength but in God’s provision. “The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing” (Psalm 23:1).
David’s ability to tune out the negative voices around him wasn’t because he was immune to their sting. Instead, he refused to let them define him. He allowed God’s Word to be the foundation of his confidence, and that changed everything.
The Bigger Voice Always Wins
Here’s a powerful truth: the voice you believe determines how you live. If you let the enemy’s lies define you, those negative scripts will hold you back. But if God’s voice is bigger, you’ll live in freedom and purpose.
Under the new covenant through Jesus, we are loved unconditionally as God’s children. “To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). God doesn’t hold our past against us. Instead, He invites us to walk in the good works He’s prepared for us (Ephesians 2:10).
Think about the negative scripts you’ve believed. Do they align with what God says about you? If not, it’s time to replace them with His truth.
Replacing Lies with Truth
David teaches us that victory begins by listening to the right voice. If we want to overcome the lies of the enemy, we must actively fill our hearts and minds with the truth of God’s Word. Here’s how:
- Identify the Scripts
Reflect on the voices shaping your beliefs. What words or experiences have stuck with you over the years? Write them down and consider whether they align with what God says about you. Recognizing these scripts is the first step toward replacing them. - Speak God’s Word Over Your Life
Like David, affirm what God says about you through Scripture. Memorize verses like Psalm 86:5: “You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.” Let these truths reshape how you see yourself and your circumstances. - Trust God’s Calling
God equips and calls you for His purposes. Don’t let feelings of inadequacy or others’ doubts hold you back. Remember, God uses imperfect people to accomplish His perfect plans. Your past doesn’t disqualify you; it’s part of your testimony. - Build a Habit of Gratitude
Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to what God has provided. Reflect daily on the ways God has shown His love and faithfulness in your life. Gratitude silences the lies of the enemy and makes space for God’s truth to take root.
Facing Giants with Confidence
The battle against negative scripts isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Recently, I faced a moment of self-doubt while preparing to speak in front of people I admired. The enemy’s whispers were loud: “Who do you think you are? No one cares what you have to say.”
But then I heard a different whisper—the Holy Spirit reminding me of 2 Corinthians 4:7: “We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” That truth gave me the confidence to speak boldly, trusting that God had called and equipped me.
You, too, will face giants this week. They might look like rejection, fear, or the weight of past failures. The question is, which voice will you listen to? The voice of fear and doubt or the voice of the One who calls you beloved, forgiven, and equipped for His glory?
Living Secure in God’s Voice
David’s example shows us that the key to overcoming lies is building security in God’s Word. This isn’t a one-time decision but a daily commitment. You must continually choose to let God’s truth speak louder than the lies of the enemy.
Here are practical ways to make God’s voice the biggest influence in your life:
- Daily Scripture Reading: Spend time in the Bible to discover what God says about you. His Word is a constant reminder of His love, purpose, and power.
- Prayer: Talk to God about your struggles and ask Him to reveal His truth in your heart. Prayer strengthens your relationship with God and tunes your ear to His voice.
- Surround Yourself with Believers: Join a community of faith where you can share your journey, find encouragement, and hear testimonies of God’s goodness.
Victory Over Giants
When you replace lies with God’s truth, everything changes. You’ll find the courage to face challenges, the strength to let go of shame, and the confidence to walk in your God-given purpose. This freedom isn’t about pretending life is easy but about knowing you’re secure in the One who holds your future.
God’s voice is the only one that truly matters. He’s inviting you to replace the lies you’ve believed with the truth of who you are in Christ. When you do, you’ll experience the freedom to live out His calling with confidence. So, which voice will you believe today?