Whatever

 

My brain is a jerk sometimes. Its as if it has a mind of its own (see what I did there?). Lately its been really unkind by taking me to dark places, replaying old stories and old lies. And if that wasn't enough, it then takes little sparks of light in my life and twists them into all kinds of whacked out what-if-scenarios. Enough all ready!

 

Isaiah 26:3 promises that God will keep in perfect peace those whose mind is stayed on Him, because they trust in Him. Are my haywire thoughts due to lack of trust? I can easily label some of them being the product of fear, but isn't that what fear is: lack of trust? Oh Father, help me trust You more!

 

2 Timothy 1:7 Tells me that God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. So if fear isn't from God then it isn't healthy, it isn't helpful. Its dangerous and damaging.

2 Corinthians 10:5  exhorts me to take every thought captive to obey Christ. Sometimes they are hard to wrestle especially when I'm feeling weak.  Its at these times I learn to HALT and ask myself if my thoughts are getting carried away because I'm Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired.  

Romans 12:2  reminds me that I do not have to conform to this world, but should instead be transformed by the renewal of my mind, that by testing my thoughts, I may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. A lot of people have come up against some of the same challenges I have. Not everyone handles difficulty the same way. I've had people say they would have done or said this and that, but this is my journey and I don't want to conform to what the "norm" of what someone in my situation is. I want my life experiences, good or bad, to transform me into who God wants me to be. I don't want to waste an opportunity to know Him more and more than anything I want discernment.

Colossians 3:2 Gives advice that is easier said than done:  Set your mind on the things above, not on things that are on the earth. So how do I do that? By shaking off the negative and putting on the positive. Focusing on the whatevers.....whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Philippians 4:8

Here is my attempt at taking my thoughts captive tonight and focus on specifics to the whatevers:

TRUE
God promises of love are true. What He believes about me is true.

NOBLE
My opportunity and responsibility to be a godly mother to my children is a noble calling.

RIGHT
I am an ethically driven person by nature. I strive for what is right, but I realize justice isn't mine to serve.

PURE
My desire to follow God wherever He leads.

LOVELY
My dreams for the future.

ADMIRABLE
The prayers, counsel, and life examples of godly friends and family.

EXCELLENT
The blessing of life!

PRAISEWORTHY
The myriad of ways the Lord has shown His favor to me through unexpected blessings.