We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. - 2 Corinthians 10:5
2017 and the start of 2018 were not great times for me.
In the fall of 2017, I stepped away from a worship leader position at a church that I loved (still so many that I love there!). I was hurt deeply, and the Enemy’s lies to me and about me became believable in my broken heart.
“You’re not a good enough singer.”
“You’re not smart enough to write.”
“Your songs shouldn’t be shared - they aren’t good enough.”
“What makes you think anyone cares?”
My weariness was a wall I could not seem to get over, as if each time I began to reach the top, I was knocked back down again. Spiritual warfare. It’s real, y’all.
One day I broke down and shared my weariness and these attacks with my friend. She clearly stated, “That is NOT what God says about you!” She encouraged me to analyze every thought, ask if it is TRUTH, then choose how to react! …She was right! What a relief! GAME CHANGER!
I began to envision thoughts as a baseball being thrown toward me. The shield of faith was my glove, stopping/catching each “thought” before it hit me, and analyzing it in the light of what God’s Word says. If it is a word to hide in my heart, I keep it. If it is not, I’m throwing it back! Get that outta here!
My heart often leads, for better or for worse. I often have to get back to what I KNOW in my head, often times with my level-headed husband’s encouragement. For me, that’s why the armor of God includes the helmet of salvation! I KNOW God is for me. “I believe, Lord; help my unbelief!” That knowledge often protects, strengthens, and sets my heart right, despite what insults are hurled at me.
In writing this song, I gathered words of TRUTH from the Bible, bringing light to the darkness, and power to stand in my weakness!
John 8:44b - [The Devil] was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
1 Peter 5:8 - Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Ephesians 6:11-17 - Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
John 1:5 - The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
1 Corinthians 15:57 - But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Colossians 3:1-2 - Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding..
Philippians 4:8 - "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."
Whenever I’m finding myself at the losing end of strength, beaten down by insults and seeds of doubt planted into my heart and head about me, or my marriage, or my kids, I pull this song out! Singing these words of scripture help realign my heart, laying things in the light of God’s love, because darkness cannot overcome the LIGHT! That’s the POWER of the Holy Spirit to fight against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms, bringing the devil’s secret schemes to light!
I may have believed the Enemy’s lies before, but this victory’s the LORD’S!
Song Lyrics:
vs. 1 - The Father of lies is prowlin’ around looking for one to devour, planting seeds of doubt and thoughts that will tear down.
But, I won’t be that one today. I put on my armor to fight against the things he may say.
chorus - I take captive every thought that stands against the knowledge of God, and lay it in the light of God’s love, where darkness cannot overcome.
Lies may have won before, but this victory’s the LORD’s!
Vs. 2 - I set my mind on the things of the Lord, and not on the things of this world.
I lean not on my own understanding, but with all my heart trust in the Lord.
bridge - I guard my heart with whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is just and pure,
Whatever is lovely, excellent and good, whatever is worthy of praise.
ending - This victory’s the LORD’s! You won't tear me down anymore, ‘cause this victory’s the LORD’s!