AS A MAN THINKETH
As I sit here in front of the computer, I am struggling. I don’t know what to say or how to say the right thing. There is so much happening in the world right now, and most people have no idea where to turn. I do know where to turn and who to turn to, and for that, I am very grateful. I can’t imagine how I would feel if my only hope during this time of upheaval was in mankind. Mankind will let us down, mankind will make mistakes, and mankind will look out for their own best interests. My daughter and I were talking this week about how to keep a proper mindset and a positive outlook during this crisis. Your thoughts and your words play a huge part in your reality, and keeping them focused on the positives during this time is essential. I came across this Bible verse this week, and it keeps popping up inside my mind.
Proverbs 23:7
7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
This verse was saying that even though someone might tell you to “eat up,” in his heart, he is calculating how much it costs him to feed you. In his heart, he was stingy, so even though his words said one thing, his thoughts and heart said something else.
What if our thoughts shape our reality? How many of you have said, “I think that I might be catching a cold?” I used to be guilty of this, and it seemed like I was always sick. One winter, I decided to change my thoughts, and I started saying over and over again, “I never catch a cold. I am hardly ever sick.” I kind of felt silly at first because I didn’t believe what I was saying. But, after repeating those words every time someone mentioned a cold, I started to believe what I was saying was true. You know what…I never catch a cold, and I am hardly ever sick!
Romans 12:2
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.
Renew your mind, renew your thoughts. What is going on in the world is not in our control, but our thoughts and reactions are. You can say, “I know that I am going to get this virus,” or you can say, “I trust the Lord that no matter what happens He will be here and will walk with me and my family as we go through this season.” Your body is a funny creature; it responds to what you tell it in your mind.
Have you ever known someone who gave up the “will” to live? It wasn’t that their physical body got sick; it was that their thoughts gave up. They willed themselves to die, even though they might not have been ill otherwise. If someone can “will” themselves to die, then we can “will” ourselves to live.
Let me give you an example of how your body reacts to your thoughts. Have you ever had a dream where you were scared? Maybe you were being chased by a bear, and you were running for your life. The bear was looking for you, and he was getting closer and closer, and then you woke up. Was your heart pounding, were you sweating or out of breath? Did it take you a few minutes to calm back down? Or, have you ever been falling in your dream and wake yourself up because you jumped to try to keep from falling? I am betting everyone has had this experience.
Someone reading this might contract the virus, but how you react and think can play a huge roll in your recovery. Pray to the Lord and keep a positive outlook. Remember, the Lord is the one in control. And, honestly, who else would you want with you? He parted the sea, He healed the sick, He raised the dead, He stilled the winds and waters, He created this world, and we are HIS children.
Yes, these times are scary. But, they are also a time to renew your spirit, get closer to your family, and loved ones. Let’s come together, in thoughts, in words, and in deeds.
1 Corinthians 1:10
10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.
It is time to unite as a world and come together as a whole.
Have A Blessed Day!
Very good! Thank you for allowing God to use you to speak reassuring words to us.
I appreciate your Sunday messages very much! I made “Joe’s Cake” this morning and took it to our local grocery store employees! They they have been working literally day and night to keep our little store feeding the community!
Amen, Amen
I look forward to your Sunday messages for the reminders that we need in times when life is rough. But also that we need God as the focus in our lives first and formost. Have a grear day!
A wonderful message….thank you!
So strange that a podcast I follow mentioned this verse Tuesday and read a meditation written by James Allen aloud to the audience. I printed the meditation and have been reading parts of it daily. It is very thought provoking. The podcaster read it for 30 days straight earlier this year but did not share the impact it had on his life. My plans are to read the meditation every day and to journal my thoughts. Maybe we could start a group challenge to help us keep focus and develop bonds during these troubled times.
Amen!
I do not live in fear, yes, I KNOW that GOD is in control. How comforting! Every passage brings us peace. I can’t imagine my life without God in it. And you are so right on about what you think and what’s in your heart. I really appreciate you sharing Gods word with everyone. You are a LIGHT to the world as we should ALL be!!! Thanks!!
Amen. Thank you
Thank you for the comforting words. And thank you for your daily posts. It’s nice to have a normal safe place to come to forget what’s happening around us.
Thanks for your positive thoughts this morning!
Thank you for sharing your positive thoughts! You are a great example of love!