The Quiet Lies That Held Me Captive — and the Truth That Set Me Free--Monday Messages from the Heart

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

 — John 10:10 (KJV)

When Jesus said this, many naturally assume He was talking about the devil — the diabolos, the slanderer, the accuser, the adversary. Scripture uses many names to reveal his character, but they all point to the same truth: he is the enemy of God and the enemy of our souls. We live in a fallen world where the enemy influences much, but through the cross, Jesus defeated him. Because of Christ in us, we overcome the one who is in the world. “Greater is He that is in you than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

For years, I lived in a place of anxiety, body image struggles, and an unhealthy relationship with food, fitness, and myself. I didn’t realize how much sin, comparison, and striving had shaped my twenties. I was captive — and blind to it. I chased “better,” but never found contentment. Nothing felt like enough, and I didn’t feel like enough. Joy and peace were strangers to me.

As time went on, the unhealthy patterns around food and body image grew louder. My husband began noticing the destructive things I said about myself — things I didn’t even realize were coming out of my mouth. My mind had become so filled with the world’s lies that I couldn’t see truth anymore. I had fallen into a darkness that hardened my heart and made me self‑focused, unable to appreciate the good I had.

Eventually, I began reaching out to God for purpose. As I slowed down, I started noticing the anxiety that had been simmering beneath the surface. It grew intense — three major seasons of anxiety that affected every part of my life. The enemy whispered that my struggle “wasn’t big enough” to seek help, keeping me silent. I didn’t understand why I couldn’t control my thoughts or why anxiety hit me out of nowhere. Shame crept in. Old insecurities resurfaced. I felt like I was spiraling.

Finally, I surrendered.

I told God I couldn’t live like that anymore. I asked Him to help me understand my anxiety, to reveal the root issues, and to heal my mind. I told Him I wanted to know Him — truly know Him.

And He began to work.

It didn’t take long before I could discern what was from God and what was from the world. The world is constantly shifting, always demanding more, never satisfying. But Jesus came so we could have life — abundant life. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He does not change. Our hope and joy can rest in the One who gives life, not the one who tries to steal, kill, and destroy it.

1 Peter 5:8 warns us that the devil prowls like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. A lion doesn’t stalk loudly — it moves quietly, subtly. The enemy often attacks in the quiet places, especially when you’re walking with Christ. He’s loud in the world, but if you’re not paying attention, you can walk right into his traps without realizing it.

Don’t let the world tell you lies. Don’t let the enemy use your past to shame you, guilt you, or convince you that you can’t serve God. He twists truth to keep you from the One who heals. Jesus offers a life of joy, peace, contentment, and hope — a life the world cannot touch and the enemy cannot steal.

There is healing in the name of Jesus.

The very next verse in John 10 says, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” As His sheep, we are watched, cared for, protected, and guided. We can hear His voice. He leads us as we take back our minds, our bodies, and our lives from a world that only seeks to destroy them.

You don’t have to stay captive to the world’s lies. Bring everything — every fear, every insecurity, every anxious thought — to Jesus as often as you need. Freedom is found in the One who gave His life for you.

• Are you experiencing spiritual attacks—subtle lies, discouragement, or thoughts that pull you away from God’s truth?

• Are you living a surrendered life in Christ, or are you striving in your own strength and finding yourself empty, exhausted, and hungry for more?

•  Will you take intentional time to sit with God’s Word and His promises, bringing every thought and every negative whisper to Him in prayer?

• As you pray, will you ask the Holy Spirit to give you discernment — to reveal what is from God, what is from the world, and what is simply not true?

Lord,

I come before You with everything that is stirring inside of me. You see the thoughts I can’t untangle and the emotions I can’t name. You know the weight on my mind and the heaviness on my heart that has left me _______.

Today, I lay it all at Your feet. I surrender every burden, every fear, every anxious thought, and every hidden place within me. Guide me, Lord. Help me understand what is happening inside of me so I can clearly discern what is from You and what is from the world.

Fill me with Your truth where lies once lived. Fill me with Your promises where fear once ruled. Fill me with Your peace where chaos once tried to take root.

I trust You, Lord. I rest in the comfort of knowing You never change. Fix my eyes on You—steady, faithful, unshakable—as You lead me through every thought, every feeling, and every place in me that needs Your healing touch.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.