Keeping one's sanity...
What do you do when you reach the end of your self? I have been having barraging thoughts now and then in the past month of August, and some situations that happened did not help. The one singular matter that can hurt us the most is usually found in the word, relationship. Whether it's spousal, or children, or relatives, or workplace, etc. That's my personal take anyway. And many times this verse has come up like a standard in my mind when I feel these crushing thoughts: Philippians 4:
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Followed by:
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Verse 8 - especially, really has been speaking to me - about choice of thoughts. Filtering the thoughts right in the heat of the moment, choosing instead to concentrate it to remember what is true and good, and absolutely refusing to allow the "ever-available" old record of wrongs play it's accusatory-tunes. It helps, it helps. It gives me just enough emotional energy to cry out for help to the Lord, and then, the darkness - starts to give way to the faint glimmer of hope that grows. Forgiveness that stems from the life of Christ. Choice of thoughts. Not making a decision when we are emotional. That keeps me safe, like a refuge. It keeps me sane - not to run away with an emotion-loaded thought that will result in actions that explodes with devastation in my life as well as the lives around me. The Lord is ever merciful. His faithfulness endures forever.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Followed by:
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Verse 8 - especially, really has been speaking to me - about choice of thoughts. Filtering the thoughts right in the heat of the moment, choosing instead to concentrate it to remember what is true and good, and absolutely refusing to allow the "ever-available" old record of wrongs play it's accusatory-tunes. It helps, it helps. It gives me just enough emotional energy to cry out for help to the Lord, and then, the darkness - starts to give way to the faint glimmer of hope that grows. Forgiveness that stems from the life of Christ. Choice of thoughts. Not making a decision when we are emotional. That keeps me safe, like a refuge. It keeps me sane - not to run away with an emotion-loaded thought that will result in actions that explodes with devastation in my life as well as the lives around me. The Lord is ever merciful. His faithfulness endures forever.
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