The second month of this New Year is behind us and the days continue to slip by. There are many things I’m thankful for – things that went well and then … sigh… things that could have been different.
I found myself following the same painful cycles – habit patterns that I had so wanted to leave in the old year and not repeat in the New Year.
Old fears whose friendship I no longer desire have come along and have hung on for dear life. And as I have so often in the past, I found myself drowning in the muck mire of life-long fears and lost in the onslaught of not being good enough.
But this is the year of new beginnings – the year of change – the year when I make new friends — such as compassion and courage.
This is the year when I decide that I will listen to the voice of truth and not the lies of the enemy. This is the year when I look fear and rejection in the face rather than cower and hide beneath doubt and shame.
Alone – it’s not possible. But with God all things are possible.
It’s not that I haven’t looked to my Heavenly Father. He has always been there – as my trusted, ever faithful friend. He’s always picked me when I’ve succumbed to my fears and been my refuge in my painful life storms.
His light always leads me back to the path that leads to life, and it is why I’m still on this journey.
The one thing I want to embrace with all my heart and mind is this – to change what I think and believe on a daily basis.
This is so crucial to the way I feel which in turn affects the way I behave.
I’m choosing to meditate on what my Heavenly Father is saying to me in His Word.
When something goes wrong, my Bible is often not nearby and then the same dark thoughts begin to play in my mind. The enemy of my soul hisses his lies and so often his voice sounds like my own.
They say you can’t think two things at the same time and so the enemy’s lies have got to go.
So Father, I pray these truths of who you are and who you created me to be would be deeply planted in my mind, heart and spirit.
I don’t have to be fearful or be anxious.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.“ 2 Tim.1:7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God,which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.“ Phil. 4: 6, 7
No matter what happens, it’s going to be ok. God is with me and will help me through this.
“God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea“ Ps 46:1, 2
I don’t have to prove anything to anyone. I’m a child of God.
“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, Abba, Father.” Ro, 8:15
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!“ 1 Jh.3:1
Even when life hurts, I know He knows and cares for me.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.“ Ps.34:18
I am more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus my Lord.
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.“ Ro. 8:37 – 39
Praying for you. Change is often difficult, but well worth the extra effort. You are not alone!!
Loved this, love the fact that you can see the lies and respond with truth. Love that you encourage all of us to walk through the pain to the joy!