As
human beings, we are so hard on our self. Perfectionistic attitudes drive us to
attain more, reach a higher level, get that promotion, increase our bank
account, earn that raise, live in a showcase home, marry the right person, etc.
We
forget basic attributes like empathy, compassion, and love for our self and
others. Some of us even bully our way to the top, regardless of who we step on
during our ascent. Then we discover that the top is lonely and ultimately
unfulfilling.
Reading
daily affirmations of our identity in Christ, taken directly from God's Word,
is the only way to attain the fulfillment that we seek (https://gossipforjesus.com/2016/04/18/the-christian-identity-affirmation/). They build our
confidence in God's love, plan and provision for His Saints.
They
teach us humility and kindness, and how to walk in God's Spirit (Galatians
5:15-25). These positive thoughts give us more energy during the day, peaceful
sleep at night, and joy with each new morning, which have nothing to do with
our earthly experiences (Philippians 4:8).
We
set our mind on wisdom from God's throne rather than to worry about finite
issues. All negative emotions are red flag to alert us to the fact that we are
not meeting a need in our body, soul or spirit. As we listen to the accompanying
words in our mind, they enlighten us.
If
we do not heed their warning, they affect us in body, soul and spirit with ill
health, mental illness and spiritual apathy. Rather than disparaging our self
over a short-coming, we can lift our failings up to the Lord.
Failings
are temporary misjudgments, but never the failures, which Satan tries to
convince us that they are. God has plans, even for our imperfections. We may lose
a battle, but Jesus already won the war on Calvary's cross.
The
blood of Jesus brought us into the family of God through salvation. Then, the
sanctifying work of God's Spirit in our life makes us worthy, lovable and
beautiful in the eyes of God. He sees us clothed in Christ's righteousness (2
Corinthians 5:21), and calls us as His own (1 John 3:1; John 15:15).
Prayer:
Father
God, Your Word has a major impact on our physical, mental and emotional health,
as well as our spiritual maturity, and our overall worldview and perspective
about life. Remind us to keep a record of our internal dialogue with our self,
and to come to You to discover the truth about any lies perpetuated in our mind
by our peers, authority figures, and the devil.
When
we walk in Your will for our life, we are excited about our vocation, fulfilled
by our ministry, thankful for our relationships, and amazed at our strength in
Your joy. Thank you for freeing us from the dysfunctional memories of our past,
which influence our current thoughts and emotions, and affect our health in
body, soul and spirit.
Thought
for the Day:
Once
we properly assimilate the memories from our past, which are stored in our
subconscious mind, and which inflict their power over our current thoughts and
emotions, we are free from their intrusion in our life and their effect on our overall
health.
