Thuggish Thoughts

“God, these bullies have reared their heads! A gang of thugs is after me and they don’t care a thing about you.” (Psalms 86: 11-17 MSG)

I’m frequently bullied by a gang of thugs. They are not human enemies, but subconscious antagonists. These oppressive thoughts browbeat me into fearful submission:

You will fail and look stupid.

It’s just a matter of time before you lose everybody and everything that you value.

You probably have an undiagnosed mental disorder.

You are a difficult person to be around.

Most people think you are weird, lazy, and useless.

You can’t handle new challenges.

You should be doing more.

The worst-case scenario will probably happen.

When something goes wrong, it’s most likely your fault.

You are not a good enough mom, wife, daughter, friend.

Thuggish thoughts follow me around day after day—tormenting and intimidating me. I wish I had a big brother or a body guard who stayed with me all the time. He would protect me from these thugs—his presence alone would discourage the bullies from pestering me.

“God-of-the-Angel-Armies will step in and take care of his flock… He’ll revive their spirits…Use them as tools and instruments…their heads held high…courageous and vigorous because God is with them, undeterred by the world’s thugs.” (Zechariah 10:3-5 MSG excerpts)