Lord, Deliver Me From You: Silencing the Unauthorized Voices in Your Life

By Karen Y. Larkin

How many times have we heard the advice of some well-intended people speak ill-advised words to us? Well, if we are honest, we can all raise our hand to that. That advice would come out of nowhere! And the worse part of it all, you never even asked for it. Unfortunately, their words leave you in a tumultuous battle over what was said.

For many of us, this has been the story of our lives. Victimized from these damaging conversations, you are left with discouragement, doubt, and uncertainty about what you once knew. You are left contemplating who to believe. And the question is “How to prevent these damaging (unauthorized) words from infiltrating your inner being?”

It is really simple: Silence the voices! Be confident in knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt. God’s Word is the final authority. When we believe that and stand on his promises, we immediately are empowered to silence the voices. Don’t give up on your dreams and goals. Just believe the unadulterated voice of God.

Our journey begins with a zealous traveler who is intentional about her future and achieving her lifelong goals. However, her zeal and enthusiasm take a major turn as she encounters a unique set of travelers, whose intentions are to steer her off course. Join us as we take a ride to discovering God’s destiny for your life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Nov 18, 2021
• ISBN: 9781636300269

Book preview

Chapter 1

Unsolicited Advice

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

—Psalm 1:1

Unsolicited [un·so·lic·it·ed /ˌənsəˈlisidəd/] (adjective)—(1) not asked for and sometimes not wanted. (Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries)

I awoke early in order to finish packing for my trip. My personal toiletries were the last to go as I threw in my quart-sized ziplock bag. There! All done! Of course, I didn’t have a sound sleep due to my sheer anxiousness of today’s journey.

I absolutely love long bus rides. The most obvious, it relieved me of doing the driving. You don’t have to be the sign watcher, police detector, toll dropper, or potty stopper—to name a few. The bus gives you the opportunity to relax, unwind, meditate, read, sleep, and enjoy the views. Unlike a daily commuter bus, we are not privy to the usual shenanigans of city life. At times, they can be quite unwelcoming.

Like the time I almost joined in a game of three-card Monte. Hardly ever one to forget a face, it wasn’t until I recognized they were all together initially. They’d split up only to board the bus at a different location in order to make them appear they didn’t know one another. While watching, they’d arbitrarily ask you to guess the right card and bam! You’re right until you throw your twenties down to guess. Well, thank God, we didn’t have to worry about any of that.

I perused my neatly organized surroundings and did a quick mental checklist. Check, check, check, check. We were good! I prayed for protection and turned on the alarm. Unsure if I put on the light sensor, I went back in to check. Was I the only one who did this? While I was at it, I turned the stove knobs and checked all the outlets. Although my iron had automatic shutoff, I checked that again too. I concluded it was just a little anxiety, and I headed out the door.

I arrived before time and noticed that the bus was open, and we were able to board. The driver had the most calming eyes, and my once anxiety was put to rest. I decided to sit in the front since I was traveling alone. This way, I figured I could avoid the long lines, exiting for the restroom stops.

I settled myself and noticed a nice young woman sitting opposite of me, and we both exchanged smiles. Always friendly as well as enjoying meeting people, I concluded she might be a good companion on our trip.

I observed every passenger as they board—their clothing, traveling companions, and the various sizes of their luggage. I could tell by their body language, facial expressions, and energy who was going and who was returning. Since I was right in the front, I felt obligated somehow to greet everyone with a smile or vocal pleasantry.

I prayed God would cover us all no matter where our various destinations take us.

The door closed, and the driver gently pulled off. I was relieved that the pleasant aromas and hardly worn upholstery indicated the bus maybe new.

"Yay!" I secretly exclaimed.

Hi, my name is so and so… as I was greeted with a long brown perfectly manicured hand. I, too, extended my hand, and my eyes quite naturally scrolled up to see who it belonged