Pure Thoughts 2012

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

I've been going through a season where positive thoughts and words have been rare. For an encourager, this has been a very trying time. I read through some of my journal entries from the last few months and can see myself slipping into this--for lack of a better word--depression.

It's kind of scary how it sneaks up, taking root in little things here and there until it becomes this big UGLY in your life.An unkind word here, a judmental thought there. Those things add up and eventually push a person into isolation. I wrote about that feeling in my journal, too. Isolation.

All alone, or the feeling thereof, is the most vulnerable position to be in for an attack from the Enemy. You have no protection, no support, no guide. It's easier to look at your situation and feel sorry for yourself when you are alone. There is no one there to help you refocus back to the One who holds all power when you lose sight!

So, that is where I found myself. Sinking deeper and deeper into this. On one end, I was starting to see my position and become aware of the dilemma. I was beginning to grasp the weight of what was going on. On the other, I felt trapped already, so deep in and unsure how to find freedom.

How DO you break the negative thinking? I began asking the Lord to help me. Praying for guidance and looking for answers. Examples.

Job...Job faced the worst of the worst in losing everything he had--and then sitting day after day to hear his friends throw negative remarks at him. Wow, if anyone could be justified in thinking poorly after all that, it's Job. But, no. Job provides a prime example of positive thinking in a bad situation. I am so glad God shared his example with us! Rather than look in on myself, I need to look out to God in all things, for He is TRUE, HONEST, JUST, PURE, LOVELY, GOOD, VIRTUOUS, and PRAISE-WORTHY. And in Him, all things are complete.

Gos has used this truth to help me. He's healing me. I'm not out of this season, but I am seeing the fruits of a new season dawning and am grateful for it!

This year, my words will be "pure thoughts" as I seek to set my mind on Him and my focus on His will.

God bless you.