“As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7
This month I really felt I needed to go back to the very beginning. Back to the reason why I started this blog in the first place. Read the verse above again. It’s not difficult to understand, the words are simple (don’t let the old “eth” scare you-the word is simply, “thinks”). Simple words, possibly a bit of a complex deeper meaning—or is it?
“I want a job that makes me feel like I’m doing something useful.” “My mother makes me feel like crap.” “My spouse makes me feel like crap.” “I’m just a nobody and don’t matter.” “I’m too shy.” “I’m too out-spoken.” Any of these hit a nerve? If not, can you think of one that does?
Today I want to tell you that we need to stop saying and thinking these things! Right now. Believe it or not, the damage they’re causing in you is more than you can imagine. It’s time we take charge of our feelings and emotions. After all, they’re our feelings, and our emotions. Not our boss’s, spouse’s, or anybody else’s. That means we have a say as to how to control them. Isn’t that great news?
If you’re like me, you might be thinking, if that person just stopped, I’d be fine. Or, if I just had a job that appreciated me, I’d be happy. Truth, honey? No, you wouldn’t. You’d find something else to complain about and to make you feel just as miserable.
There is only one thing that can change this around, and, believe it or not, it’s not our circumstances. It’s our thoughts.
Does It Matter What We Think? The Bible says so. Members of the medical profession have also found it to be true. And I believe it. Problem is, sometimes—okay, often—it’s hard for me to do. It’s almost as if there’s something physically preventing me from thinking good thoughts. Are you with me?
That’s the enemy trying to keep us whining and complaining, feeling miserable about ourselves as we develop ulcers and headaches. I don’t know about you, but I’m done with letting the enemy rule my mind.
Do this with me, if you dare. I don’t normally do this in my blogs, but I’m going to provide a list of a few confessions for you below (all right, probably more than just a few). This will only work if you actually take the next step, but I want to help you. I want you to have victory over your thoughts, and live the way God created you to live happily and at peace even in the face of our mountains. Hebrews 10:23 encourages us to, “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” (italics mine)
What do you need to do?
First, write down the pertinent ones for your life. Hang them or post them somewhere visible. You can also put them in your notes on your phone, just be careful because that’s not always as visible as somewhere like your bathroom mirror, car visor, or kitchen window. Also, find more promises in the Bible that relate to what’s going on in your life. Remember, this is just a small sample.
Second, speak them out loud—that’s what a confession is. Daily. Multiple times a day, in fact.
Third, sit back and watch your life turn around. The circumstances might not change, but your attitude and outlook on them will, and you will begin to find happiness, no matter what falls down around you. Simple, right? Here’s the list.
I am strong and courageous. (Joshua 1:9)
I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)
Everything I lay my hand to prospers. (Deuteronomy 28:8)
My spouse (name) loves me and praises me. Ephesians 5:28, Proverbs 31:28)
The Lord is my shield and the lifter of my head. (Psalm 3:3)
My heart is cheerful, which is good medicine. (proverbs 17:22)
I have the peace Jesus gave me. I will not be afraid. (John 14:27)
God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
In God I live and move and exist. I am His child. (Acts 17:28)
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. (Habakkuk 3:18)
I have a friend who stays with me closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24)
I am in perfect peace because I am focused on You, because I trust in You. (Isaiah 26:3)
I am loved. God has inscribed me on the palms of His hands. (Isaiah 49:16)
That’s it!! I’d love to hear your testimony as you begin to be transformed by the renewing of your mind!
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