aMy thoughts are out to get me. They attack at all hours: "You are such an idiot, Catherine. What were you thinking? How could you have said / written / done that?" I run from these guerilla warriors daily. The chase is exhausting and frankly, it's annoying.
a
Jesus gives us plenty of armor; apparently, though, these wicked unseen snipers have found my chinks. Mind control is the answer. I wield the Sword of Truth, meditating on and reciting Scripture: "For God so loved me, he sent his only Son," (John 3:16). "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," (Romans 8:1). "Nothing can separate me from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord," (Romans 8:38-39).
a
Another weapon: giving thanks.
a
As I park my car, today's mental attack is so severe I can't even remember why I've come to the market. Heaving a sigh, I climb out and look up. "Thank you, God, for the blue sky. Thank you for these beautiful clouds." I feel better. Oh yeah, Fred is grilling tonight. We need chicken. "Thank you for this concrete walkway, God. Thanks that this building is sturdy. Thank you for automatic doors, conveniently placed recycling bins, and air conditioning." That's right, we need cereal, too. And dog food. "Thank you that my legs work, that my lungs are healthy, that my heart beats just fine." As I push the cart through the aisles thanking God for everything from florescent lighting to muzak, I chop those evil distracting thoughts out of my head. By the time I make it home (with almost everything I was supposed to retrieve), I am on the other side of the attack—in the presence of God, ready to enjoy the rest of the day with my family.
Enter God's presence with the password: "Thank you!" ~ Psalm 100:4 (The Message)
aaa
In his presence is fullness of joy. ~ Psalm 16:11
The biggest difference between my wife and I is that my wife is a thinker (I don't do so well sometimes with that). I kind of think that most women are. Ever since I read Luke 2:19
ReplyDelete"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Men need to a little more thinking and women, sometimes a bit less. There has to be a some sort of 'sweet spot' when it comes to that. :-) Blessings!
Catherine, Thank you for describing the exact things that go through my head sometimes too. I am in a battle right now, and it gets dark at times. What a great example of giving thanks at all times.
ReplyDeleteLove, Kim
Firstly, El LaGrew is funny. Nextly, Mondays found me on my knees again. The day started out with a brokenheart. But i do give thanks for the God of peace and well-being...
ReplyDeleteThank you, friends!! The battle is manageable now that I know how to fight. Jesus always wins.
ReplyDeleteThankfulness sure is an antidote to so much cerebral il-health that assails so often ..I guess it's 'mind-shield'. It is a key for me to find sleep on those countless nights that I mr sheep flock is just too small... Great point too El, sounds like we have married sisters - blessings
ReplyDeleteThat is wonderful ! A thanks for what we have in life by the Grace of God is truly the battle-axe against doubts and bad thoughts.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful Post! Thanks for sharing Cathy ♥
I really like the scripture "For God so loved me, he sent his only Son," (John 3:16).
Fred is grilling tonight..And I am not invited to the dinner tonight ? Ehm Ehm ! I'm just a phone call away :P
~ Navjot
I think the part that struck me is really simple. you and I share the same name... so not only did I understand the lies hitting you, I've said them word for word. Thank You Father for providing me with a woman in another place who thanks You and reminds me to do the same. From one Catherine to another, I feel blessed to share the name that means pure. May God continue to stretch both of us in how we view Him, ourselves through His lens, and fight like warriors! Glad I could follow you on twitter - Catherine aka fruwho
ReplyDeleteThat was a God one. We have so much to be thankful for.
ReplyDeleteWe all go through similar things don't we. Even us blokes.
God Bless
Moray