And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. Ezekiel 36:26
Lately I've been thinking a lot about my behavior. I keep hearing in my head that I am not good enough, that I shouldn't have said this thing or that thing. It's pretty much a constant barrage of negativity that only I can hear. I know Satan is trying to discourage me and make me feel bad. Right now, the battle is fierce.
The good news is that God is countering. In my time with him he is providing Bible texts and thoughts and devotions that talk about how he keeps working. He doesn't give up on us. We are his masterpiece after all. As the Master Artist, he has a plan for our lives.
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
There are a couple of things I've realized on this particular journey.
1. I am not alone in this. I know there are a lot of people out there that Satan tries to bring down with his negative commentary. Ignore him. He's just trying to hurt you and God's plan for your life.
2. We can't totally ignore what we know we need to change. I know there are character traits I need to grow (or eliminate). I know there are areas where I need to face my sin and ask God for help. I need to have a new heart and a new spirit that want to be more like Jesus. There are days when my heart is stony and stubborn. Those days I especially need to rely on God to change me.
3. I also know that no matter what, God wants what's best for me. He wants me to be more like him. He wants me to grow. More importantly, he is not giving up on this masterpiece until it is finished. He's not giving up on your masterpiece either. He is going to keep chiseling, sanding, and buffing until his work of art, you, is complete.
In summary, ignore the mean voice, pay attention to where you need God's artistic touch and be willing. God will do the rest. It's his specialty as the Master.