Jesus was faced with temptation after forty days without food in the wilderness – yes, forty days! Weak as He was physically, Jesus declared these words before proclaiming God’s truth to defeat His spiritual oppressor.
We can use them too when discerning God’s word in spiritual battle, but they’re also a helpful prompt to declare God’s truth, love, character & promises, in and over unsettled feelings, anxious or doubting thoughts and challenging circumstances.
Not that we take God’s word out of context, but as we proclaim
i) foundational truths regarding His character, purpose, presence or power that are true for us all in all circumstances, or,
ii) scriptures that He prompts to our minds for a specific reason or season,
we can believe for God to fulfil His living word, in His perfect way and time.
Which truth from God’s word is resonating in your spirit as you read?
For example:
If you’re worried for provision, you may like to declare: It is written [Matthew 6:33]
If you’re feeling alone, you may like to declare: It is written [Matthew 28:20b]
If you’re afraid, you may like to declare: It is written [Isaiah 41:10]
If you need guidance or wisdom, you may like to declare: It is written [Proverbs 3:5-6 & James 1:5]
If you’re struggling with a difficult situation, you may like to delcare: It is written [Romans 8:28]
If you’re faced with your own temptation, you may like to declare:
It is written ‘Choose life’ [see Deuteronomy 30:19]
It’s not essential, we don’t have to pre-empt speaking truth with these words and we certainly don’t do it ‘by rote’. But when we declare these truths in faith it brings a pause into the moment. It helps to still racing thoughts, settle unruly emotions, build up our heart to believe the truth, strengthen our resolve, and so open our soul to receive.