As our fleshly,
carnal appetites decrease, Christ in us increases. Negative emotions, such as:
fear, insecurity, anxiety, depression, etc., along with their companion of
mental and physical illnesses, decrease in us as well.
We enter
God's rest and feel fewer negative emotions. Any negative emotion that does
surface is a red flag to draw our attention to some aspect of our life that is
overwhelming us or an unresolved conflict.
These
unresolved issues paralyze us with fear; they control our thoughts, words and
deeds; and they cripple us for the work of the ministry and the quality of our relationships.
As we focus
on the presenting emotion, listen to the words in our mind associated with that
feeling, and ask God for wisdom concerning the issues causing the emotion, we
can find solutions or turn the problems over to God to work out in His way and
timing.
God's Word
calms our troubled soul, energizes our spirit and empowers our body with health
and vitality. We make wiser choices, form more spiritual friendships and enjoy
more success in life.
Even if
fears and insecurities dog our steps, we learn to trust God's consistent
presence in our life. We speak our mind and make sure we have a voice in
choices made that affect our life.
There is no
reason to fear, because God is always with us. Discouragement holds no place in
our life, because He gives us His strength and He helps us. He supports us with
His mighty right hand (Isaiah 41:10).
Prayer:
Father God, whenever we are afraid, remind us to put our trust in You (Psalm 56:3). There is no need for us to feel anxious about anything in this life, because through prayer and petition with gratitude in our heart for all You have already done for us, we can present our deepest and most frightening concerns to you (Philippians 4:6).
Father God, whenever we are afraid, remind us to put our trust in You (Psalm 56:3). There is no need for us to feel anxious about anything in this life, because through prayer and petition with gratitude in our heart for all You have already done for us, we can present our deepest and most frightening concerns to you (Philippians 4:6).
Then, Your
peace, which transcends the issues of life, will guard our heart and our mind
in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). This peace is not the carnal, fleeting peace
that the world gives, but the peace of Christ within us. We have no need to
feel worried, afraid or upset about anything (John 14:27).
Thought for
the Day:
Even when
life careens out of our control and we fear for our future, we can still trust
in our God who is always in control.
