Listen carefully to the words you use. Do they envision hope? Or do you hear destructive vows and paths coming out of your mouth? How about dishonest words?
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| Woman On The Phone by Vera Kratochvil |
If you are following Christ, such sentences are dishonest; they do not picture the future God has in store for you. They are simply not true---unless you choose to make them true by repeating them to others and yourself. Do you really want to choose such a miserable existence?
But it doesn't work to simply stop saying them. That's like trying to not think. Telling yourself, I have to stop saying I can't do this, simply reinforces the thought.
I'm not saying you can't be honest with God and tell Him exactly how you feel. Tell Him all the pain and trouble you're in. The Bible is full of rants and raves against God and circumstances His people face. You will not be the first to complain! (He heard it from me too!). Telling about your pain though, uses different words than predicting your future with never, can't and always. See how the widow Naomi complained against God in Ruth 1:20-21. Or Job, in Job 16:12-14. Or even Jesus! Matthew 27:46.
So be honest about your pain, but evaluate the words you use to refer to your future. Instead of saying negative forms of never, can't and always, use words that agree with God's intention for your future. Here are some words we can use from various places in Philippians:
- I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
- I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
- He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
♥ ferree
This is profound, Ferree! It also reminds me of Ephesians 3:20, one of my favorite verses which tells us that God is able to do "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine according to His power that is at work within us." I also love Isaiah 43:18-19.
ReplyDeleteOne of my devotional books this morning said something that ties in with this. It was written as if Jesus is speaking: "The way to walk through demanding days is to grip My hand tightly and stay in close communication with Me. Let your thoughts and spoken words be richly flavored with trust and thankfulness. Regardless of the day's problems, I can keep you in perfect Peace as you stay close to Me."
Ecclesiastes 3 - there is a time for everything in our lives. It does not say each of these "times" will last forever. Grief will not last forever - joy and laughter will come again - when it is "time". And when the joy and laughter return they will shine brightly next to the "shadow" of the grief painting a picture of a loving God who is always working on our behalf.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sharon, God's Word is rich with the resources we need to transform our lives ---and above all else, He is with us! Love your quotes, and you!
ReplyDeleteGod's word is so rich and full if we will but bend our ear to listen careful to all He has to say to us. Thank you for these rich words from our Lord, Ferree. They minister truth to my heart. God is faithful to us all. Trust and Obey ...there is no other way... to get through our mountains but to take His hand to the other side. Jesus is our hope and righteousness always.. Good times Hard times.... He never changes. So thankful that He never changes. He can be completely depended upon for what He says. That is so comforting.
ReplyDeleteI can't remember where it is, but God tells us in his word... "we shall be justified by the words of our mouth" I'm also reminded too... that our thoughts are vehicle's for our words that will come forth. Our thoughts must be heavely guarded.
ReplyDeleteWhen you are grieving; those negative feelings are hard to stop and they can feel so real.
ReplyDeleteI know you can't go from those negative words/thoughts to "Pollyanna" in a day.
It's a slow process/transition sometimes.
For those who struggle with this. I was wondering if you can still express those negative thoughts and feelings (you do need to do this) but try to put a positive "but" at the end?
EX:
I will never do this, but, tomorrow I may be able to. God will help me.
I will never be happy again, but, I won't feel this way forever. God will help me.
I can't live without him, but, I will. God will help me.
I will never love again, but, I know God loves me. God will help me.
I will never be normal again, but, I may need to find a new normal. God will help me.
I will always be broken, but, I know God is close to those who are. God will help me.
Another thing I was thinking about...
When you say something negative to yourself. What if you responded to yourself as if you were responding to a close friend or family member?
Example:
You: I will never get through this.
Your Response: Yes, you will. God loves you and He will help you. Turn this over to God.
I think of:
Philippians 4:8-9
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Great Post Ferree! ♥ ♥ ♥
I love this post. So many times we don't realize we are beating ourselves down by the words that we use. God can lead us to a great life only if we allow Him to. Our vocabulary is at times such a stumbling block but really can be the first step to a blessed life.
ReplyDelete