Living Lessons on PrayerSample

As we continue to consider how appearances and emotions such as anger, fear and shame can be barriers to intimacy, let’s take a look at how Satan comes into the picture. The Gospels tell us he is a liar, a deceiver, the tempter and an accuser. Paul tells us he often deceives by trying to look like an angel of light. 

Dr. Bill Gillham proposes that one of the ways Satan tricks and deceives is by speaking to us in first person singular (I, me) using our own voice and “old tapes” that fit the lies we believe.1 Satan was a large part of planting those lies in our minds in the first place. 

As I considered ways to teach this concept of Satan using first person singular to others, I came up with a chart that helps us see the difference in God’s voice and Satan’s voice. They are easily distinguishable when we know the difference and recognizing each will help us keep down the barrier caused by guilt over having what we think are bad thoughts or feelings. In order to make it simple, I have called this chart, “Two Voices,” realizing that we might have thoughts we call our own. In that case, they would go under whichever list they fit.

God's voice: convicts, accepts, truth, soft, unconditional love, encouraging, trust Me, faith and love, lifts up, life giving, light, righteousness conscious.

Satan's voice: condemns, performance based acceptance, lies, loud, selfish, discouraging, worry, doubts, fear, presses down, death giving, dark, sin conscious.

Certainly, there are other points we could come up with, but this list can get us started on recognizing and rejecting lies from the enemy. 

Anabel Gillham spoke of another way to “analyze the thoughts that invade our thinking processes: We can check to see if, A) This is a condemning thought. B) This thought attacks my character. C) This thought accuses me. D) This thought confuses me. E) This thought is designed to destroy me. F) This thought is not true.”3

Anabel also recommends adding “In Jesus’ name” to any thought to see if it fits with God’s voice or the devil’s voice.3

Application: 

Begin today to notice the tone and words to thoughts you have. If the thoughts fit with Satan’s voice, hold out your hand like a policeman at an intersection and say, “Stop! That is not God or me.” Refuse to take thoughts that condemn you or discourage you. Replace them with the truth.

1 Lifetime Guarantee, page 103

2 The Confident Woman, page 85

3 The Confident Woman, page 86