If you hear a voice within you say
‘you cannot paint’
then by all means paint,
and that voice will be silenced.
~ Vincent van Gogh ~
I don’t know if this has ever happened to you, but it does for me every once in a while. Not true. It happens a lot. I doubt. My doubts can be detrimental. They have been obstacles along my path. They make me unsure if my goals are worth the effort.
My doubt comes in this obnoxious, negative voice. In yoga, we call it ‘monkey brain’. It’s that small voice that whispers in your ear. You know the one I’m talking about. It’s the one that says you shouldn’t, you can’t, or asks the question ‘are you sure’.
I have been working on a project for more than a year. There are days when I’m filled with confidence and excitement. Other days, I question whether or not I’m wasting my time. Once doubt creeps in, it impedes my progress.
This morning, I woke to the lyrics from the song “Voice of Truth” by Casting Crowns playing in my head. For over two hours, I heard it over and over again. So much better than listening to ‘monkey brain’. It’s message couldn’t be clearer.
It is not only doubt that keeps us from accomplishing our goals. It is also fear. All I heard was ‘do not be afraid’. I realized that the fear and doubt I was feeling was not what I should be listening to.
I should have been listening to the strong, soothing voice inside my head. The voice that tells the truth. Van Gogh is quoted as saying “If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced”.
I’ve silenced my ‘monkey brain’ voice. Now, I’m listening. I’m listening to the truth that lies behind my doubt. I’m listening to the voice that tells the truth. The one that brings no doubt.
It is the voice that reminds me that “In God, whose word I praise – in God, I trust and am not afraid…” (Psalm 56:4). This voice does not cast doubt. This voice is loving, supportive, and strong. This voice is truth.
Songwriters: STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN, MARK HALL
© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, ESSENTIAL MUSIC PUBLISHING, CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP
For non-commercial use only.
Data From: LyricFind
