"Instead of letting anxious thoughts roam freely in your mind, lasso them by voicing you hope in Me. Then bring those captive thoughts into My Presence, where I will disarm them." This beautiful word picture was written by Sarah Young in her "Jesus Always" devotional book. It immediately made me smile and lit up heart and mind. My first thought was, "I NEED TO DO THIS!" Based on 2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ, Sarah's statement points us the antidote for our anxious minds, our angry minds, our negative minds and our hurting hearts. Jesus.
I needed this so much. And I need to put it into practice. Last night I found myself going down the well worn path of anger at work. Once again, a few of us were left to get things done while others were off doing anything but. It's very frustrating, but mulling it over and over and over just brings down my spirit, my countenance, my witness, and it's not where God wants me to be. And then I remembered those few sentences from the devotional. And I had peace. At least for a while.
This is a tough practice to master. But I determined to do it!! I am determined to bring EVERY thought captive, and drop those negative, destructive, unhealthy little thought nuggets at the feet of my Savior. I want to come to Him with an open heart and open hands that He may take the junk and fill me with His peace, love, and joy. I want to let Him speak peace into all my circumstances and through me share His love for those around me.
Wow, this renewing the mind thing is hard work. And for me it's taking a very long time. But that's okay...It's God's time and as long as I keep working it, He'll keep working with me and in me. And that is one of the most awesome, comforting things about our heavenly Father. He never gives up on His children.
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Lord, I will keep working on this. Forgive my failures. Let me come to You quickly, as soon as my thoughts start turning in the wrong direction. Give me wisdom to deal with circumstances that vex my spirit, weigh on my heart and cloud my mind with toxic thoughts in a way that glorifies You. Let You light wash all that is not pleasing to You away. People don't need another judge, they need Your love. Lord, You know how hard this is for me. You know that yes, indeed, sometimes life is unfair, and people don't do the right thing. But help me to still share Your love, and shine Your light to those around me...no matter what. Lord, we are taught that You take care of Your children and You pay will deal with those who harm us. I don't want to take that into my own hands. You are a God of justice. Lord, help me to leave in Your hands all that concerns me and the people who take advantage. And Lord, I know I am not perfect, no, far from it...Help me to be merciful. And let me put myself in Your hands as I seek to honor You and be obedient in all things. This is so hard Father. I know I am not the only one who struggles with this area. Help us all! Teach us. Lead us. Remind us. Thank You for never giving up on us!! You are amazing.
Use the above "word picture" or create your own picture of what taking wrong thoughts captive and bringing them to Jesus would look like. Use it to renew your mind.
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