I was born with a melancholy personality. Over the years
of my life, God's Spirit transformed many of the negative melancholy
characteristics into His fruit. I went from a reclusive introvert to a
spirit-filled extrovert.
I used to drown in depression, but now I only experience
brief moments of melancholy. My former pessimism is swallowed up by optimistic
faith in God's faithfulness (Hebrews 12:2). It is all a matter of our focus.
Do we see the glass half empty or half full? We make
innumerable choices every day, all day. If we use the Philippians 4:8-9
formula, we will choose to think about, say and do only positive words and
deeds.
We keep our mind on eternal matters, rather than on
worldly, carnal aspects of life. "God promises that if we take care of His
business, He will take care of ours" - Kevin Bradley (Matthew 6:33).
Unless we are reaping some corruption, which we sowed
into our life, there is nothing that will happen to us, which is not already
part of God's plan for us. Give the truth of this statement some time to sink
into your soul.
We no longer tremble in fear of the next natural disaster,
relational issue or financial loss devastating us. God has all of this, every
single part of it, under His sovereign control. He has a perfect plan for our life
(Ephesians 2:10).
Although the destruction accompanying trials seems
horrendous at the time, there is always a seed for a miracle in the midst of
the catastrophe, and it will eventually turn out for our ultimate good (Romans
8:28).
Prayer:
Father God, You never allow Your Saints, whom You make righteous
in Christ, to go hungry (Proverbs 10:3; Psalm 37:25). When we honor and obey
You, we lack no good thing (Psalms 34:9-10). As we trust in You, we prosper
in every area of our life (Proverbs 28:25). We are Your adopted children,
because of our position in Christ (Romans 8:29; 1 Corinthians 15:20). You are
our good and loving Father and You care about every aspect of our life.
Thought for the Day:
We serve a living Savior and minister at the pleasure of
our King.
