Can I be real with you? Last week I felt super discouraged.
You know when you’re being discouraged on all sides, people are criticising your every move and it even feels like a crime to breathe…loool extreme, I know. But you get the point. It just wasn’t a great feeling.
But you know what I do when I ‘feel’ discouraged. I take myself back to God’s word.In a world that is so critical, we need to constantly remind ourselves of what God says.Today I want to share with you what God said to me during morning chapel with my church. We read Psalm 4 as a group and I was reminded of Psalm 56 which I had read earlier on in the week. I encourage you to read both passages in full. I’ll share what stuck out for me:
How long will you people ruin my reputation? How long will you make groundless accusations? How long will you continue your lies?
You can be sure of this: The Lord set apart the godly for himself. The Lord will answer when I call to him. Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent. – Psalm 4 (NLT)
They are always twisting what I say; they spend their days plotting to harm me. They come together to spy on me— watching my every step, eager to kill me…You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. This I know: God is on my side! I praise God for what he has promised; yes, I praise the Lord for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? – Psalm 56 (NLT)
Powerful right!! I read these scriptures and was completely blown away, yet convicted. How often are we criticised and immediately feel the need to respond out of anger. Some of the people that speak harshly against us, twist our words or make up lies, have literally purposed it in their hearts to do so, regardless of our response. But check this…God sees it all, He keeps track of everything. The God that holds the universe, holds your tears. He gets it! He empathises with our frustrations when faced with the critics who aren’t correcting us out of love. He understands, but He wants us to respond, HIS WAY. Which is: being silent in the heat of the moment, praising and trusting Him to deal with everything, including His creation!
Today I heard from God after reading Psalm 4 and here is what He said to me. I quickly scribbled it down as usual, but I’ve typed it up for you all to read and be encouraged.
My Child, you don’t have to respond to everything. When they attack your character, when they criticise what I have told you to do; don’t fret!
Be silent. Remember My words.
Trust Me to protect your heart and your reputation.
You don’t need to defend yourself. I Am your defence. I Am your shield.
Don’t let the words of others dampen your spirit. You’re not living for them, you are living for me. You don’t aim to please them, I know you aim to please me. Don’t let them take your focus off what I’ve given you to do.
My beloved, you are not perfect, but it is your imperfection that drew me to you. I wanted to save and restore you. I Am still saving and restoring you.
It is your imperfection that birthed the ministry I gave you. Never forget that!
When the critics come, rest in My Grace that covers your flaws and restores you to my standard.
You are beautiful. Keep seeking me. Trusting me. And Hoping in me.
— Kanayo Dike-Oduah
Everyone has an opinion, but it is God’s truth that matters. (Galatians 1:10) You will only know His truth by knowing His word.
So, when faced with a harsh critic, will you choose to be silent in the moment, trust God and let His word restore you?
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Verse To Meditate On This Week
I praise God for what he has promised;
yes, I praise the Lord for what he has promised.
I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?
What can mere mortals do to me?
– Psalm 56:10-11
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Published by Kanayo Dike-Oduah
Kanayo is a Multi-award winning, Author and Senior leader in education whose experience ranges from being a Deputy Head of Sixth Form, Head of Psychology and Lead Practitioner. Kanayo believes that these 3 elements are the driving force of her ministry and career. D.I.G; Drive, Integrity and Grace.
Having a psychology degree provides me with a broad scope to experience many industries and fields of work. Although, my main aim is to continuously learn and also to share my knowledge and experience with others, within and beyond the constraints of the psychology community. Hence my pursuit to teach!
Hopefully, the readers of this blog will find that it is infested with a scope of psychological knowledge, with the intention of conveying psychology in such a way that it is interesting and understandable to those who aren’t studying it as a discipline. In addition, you will find that I heavily cover various topics aside of psychology such as, Christianity because I am a Christian. I draw both passions together, Psychology and Christianity, observing how they complement and sometimes clash! This blog is where ‘Psychology meets Scripture’.
As well as teaching Psychology, I know God has called me to do something far greater in this world. My passion is for His Word and to encourage others to read the Bible, fall in love with it, but most importantly…fall in love with The Author! My role of teaching is not limited to psychology. I strongly believe God is stirring up the ‘teacher’ office of the Five fold ministry in me.
I’m a doctor by virtue, healing and performing heart surgery with words of encouragement.
I am extremely driven and passionate about getting everyone; both Christians and non-Christians to read, understand and live out the word of God. To achieve this, I’ve created online Bible Challenges, whereby people around the world via social media, read a book in the Bible, one chapter a day and share what they have drawn out from the text. I have numerous Bible challenges, all accessible from my blog (www.doctorkanayo.com) and the YouVersion Bible App where over 250,000 people have completed my devotionals around the world. One Bible Challenge at a time, I aim to change the skewed perceptions of the Bible being irrelevant and to show the true reality that the bible is ‘juicy’, tremendously relevant, fun and easy to read. My one prayer is that my teachings and writings from His word, will touch at least ONE person. That would be a serious mission accomplished to the glory of God!
If you have anything you would like me to blog about, do let me know by either commenting, or contacting me via my contact form.
Thank you for visiting my blog. With love, Kanayo x
View all posts by Kanayo Dike-Oduah
Powerful right!! I read these scriptures and was completely blown away, yet convicted. How often are we criticised and immediately feel the need to respond out of anger. Some of the people that speak harshly against us, twist our words or make up lies, have literally purposed it in their hearts to do so, regardless of our response. But check this…God sees it all, He keeps track of everything. The God that holds the universe, holds your tears. He gets it! He empathises with our frustrations when faced with the critics who aren’t correcting us out of love. He understands, but He wants us to respond, HIS WAY. Which is: being silent in the heat of the moment, praising and trusting Him to deal with everything, including His creation! 