Day 12: Listening to the right music.

Ever have those days where it seems like an old record player is stuck on replay in your head? Old music, old familiar words but not in a good way? 

That old, go-to mantra that starts up when you make a mistake. 
That shaming tune you know so well, pushing you back into the person you once were. 

There you go again, messing up as usual. This is just what you do and it'll never be any different. 
Look at the way they look at you- they are disappointed with you. Too bad you aren't more like them.
You're all alone in this world- a victim. Nobody understands you. 

Or maybe it says something different to you. But you definitely know what I'm talking about because we all get stuck on the old song that sticks too stubbornly in our heads. 

It's the music of the wounded self. 

And don't you go thinking that you don't have wounds. We all do. 

Maybe it echoes something someone told you once. Maybe it's never been stated, but it's a nagging fear. The thing about the music of the wounded self is that it will always stick around if it's ignored. It's bossy and persistent.  What's even scarier is that it starts to become reality if it's simply ignored. 

If this is the first time you've thought about the wounded self, maybe it's time for some quiet, uninterrupted time with the Lord to ask, 

"What music am I stuck listening to that does not match your heart for me?" 

Here's a helpful hint: if the music in your head induces shame, fear, discouragement and overall condemnation, you're probably tuned into the wrong station. 

The music of freedom sounds a lot more like this:

You are new! Because you are in me you get a fresh start. Daily. Ignore the old stuff of the past. 

(2 Cor. 5:17)

You are victorious- a conqueror and mighty warrior because you fight with me. 

(Romans 8:37)

I use every decision you make, every mistake you make, every wound you have to make beauty and goodness.

(Romans 8:28)

You are not a slave to fear, be free from that because you belong to me.

(Romans: 8:15)

You are a shining representation of holiness to the world, wherever you go. 

(2 Corinthians 2:14)

You are not just out of slavery, but adopted into God's family. You share His name and you will inherit His riches. 

(Galatians 4:6-7)

Since you believe in a God who's been on this earth, He gets it. He can handle it. Come courageously and expectantly. He's a generous grace giver. 

(Hebrews 4:14-16)

If the music you hear brings grace, healing, freedom, peace or loving correction, it's worth listening to. It's only when we acknowledge our woundedness, recognize its catchy tune, and  memorize a new melody that we truly walk in truth. It's the truth that says we are enough. 

The music of freedom will NOT be nearly as believable, catchy or popular. But it also will not be nearly as dark and destructive. Its harmonies are rich and unique and never get old.

Welcome to the music of the your Healer. He binds wounds, obliterates strongholds and sets people free. In Him we are enough, but not just that. We are MORE than enough- not just okay, not just semi-acceptable, but fully pleasing to Him. 

What music are you listening to?