The truth is the truth no matter what I'm feeling. I had to remind myself of this recently.
Maybe you can relate...I wake up one morning with a heavy heart - as a result of specific trials or problems or even for no reason in particular. The day goes on, and I find myself peering out of my doom-tinted glasses with a hopeless sigh. Negative thoughts and questions run through my mind - "This situation isn't going to change. I can't do this. I don't feel joyful. No one really cares."
This kind of thinking breeds discontentment, cultivates a twisted perception of reality, and replaces truth with lies. I'm providing the perfect ingredients for a full-fledged pity party, and it’s a dangerous mix! Unfortunately, these moods can’t simply be turned off as if they were switch operated…so what are we to do when we find ourselves viewing and interpreting life solely though our emotions?
It Starts Here
I can't remember where I first came across this advice, but its value has been proved over and over again in my life: Speak truth to yourself. Not what we feel is the truth, but what the Word of God says is true. To know what it says, I need to be in it. Often. If I am not allowing God's Word to shape my thinking and convictions, (which then effects my emotions) something else will.
Over the next couple posts I'll share some suggestions that I've found helpful for cultivating a biblical mindset, or, as the apostle Paul puts it, “Taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Cor. 10:5)
4 comments:
That sounds like what our pastor reminds us of, to "preach the truth into your own soul", what Jerry Bridges has said about the need for Christians to "preach the gospel to themselves every day", and what we find in many of the Psalms, where the writer moves from worry or despair to worship and delight by considering the character and covenants of his God. This is a discipline I have been very lax in hitherto, although the Lord has helped me begin to develop it over the past several years. An example would be Psalm 42:11, "Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God." (NKJV)
As I was reading this I was thinking of the scripture you finished with. :) Looking forward to hearing your suggestions.
God bless!
Hi,
Nice blog with thought provoking posts.
Wish you this new year gives you health and wealth.
:-)
Insurance Agent
Oh Stephanie, how funny we were writing about the same things! I am always amazed at how God can be teaching someone else the very same things He is teaching me.
Thank you for sharing these great thoughts. This message is truly needed, especially among women, to help us stay grounded on truth and not emotions.
God bless you, Stephanie!
Kaysie
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