That voice I Hear

There are times when I hear that voice, you know the one - no not your spouse/friend.  The one that whispers those compelling words! The whisper of follow me to all of your fantasies! Don't worry, I got your back and I promise no one will get hurt!

I completely understand Paul's dilemma of Romans 7:15. The struggle with the flesh is indeed a powerful one.  Because we are creatures of habit we often deal with issues the same way we did as adolescent children which in turn makes the struggle that much more complicated.  In order to begin to change our paradigm and response methodology we have to first recognize the response pattern that we use.  Ok what the heck am I saying?  Let’s use this example; if someone steps on your toe, the first reaction is to begin to yell as if the world were ending.  Yelling may be your response for everything even if the event is not worthy of yelling (i.e. the door slammed shut by accident).  Somewhere in your past you developed the need to yell, maybe it was because this is what you saw as a kid, maybe you often felt unheard, maybe seeing people’s reaction gave you a sense of power, etc…I think the point is made.

Response patterns can be responsible for many addictive patterns - eating, drinking, sex, working, manipulation, lying, gambling and so on.  Whenever we feel uncomfortable, that voice gets louder, takes us by the hand and leads to that old familiar place – Ahhhh I know this place.  We are duped into believing that we are safe and have avoided those uncomfortable feelings and instead settle for the habitual response, which we know from experience is a road going nowhere!

If you do what you always did, you will end up where you always were!  If you are not happy with the outcome of listening to that voice, begin to ignore it and try something new.  It will not be easy at first, but the more you do it, the easier it will become.  You will have to keep an ear out for that disillusioned voice but you can do it!  You can stop hurting You, God and those around you.  Find an accountability partner who will hold you to the task, find a support group, find a supportive church/mosque/temple/etc…

God Loves you and so do I,

-d

I am in no way a professional therapist/counselor, these are simply my thoughts.  Please seek professional advice as warranted.