Welcome back,
Let me just start by saying, the past few weeks have been very interesting to say the least. As most of you know, life here on earth is full of challenging moments whether good, bad, funny or sad. It seems that the hard times come too often and are just waiting for us around the next corner. We are not always prepared for what may come. God never promised that we would not have bad times, but He did promise to help us get through those bad times. During these moments, we tend to get side tracked and lose focus of the path that God has set before us. We can often deal with battles of the mind daily. Satan tries to come in and use our areas of weakness to his advantage by placing negative thoughts in our minds causing confusion and turmoil. Dwelling on the problem or issue too long only allows for worry to setup shop in our mind. I ask myself “why do I allow this worry and confusion to stay and control me?” Do you? Worry can be a persistent thing, but God has already given us the power through the name of Jesus to overcome. Therefore, as a child of God, we should resist the devil; he has to flee. God does not want us to worry. Christ died for us and overcame sin and death so that we can live our life more abundantly. As children of God, we should seek God and strive to have that peace and joy that only He can give us. A good life lesson is to always ask God for guidance and help in any situation whether good or bad. God doesn’t try to force his way into our lives. Instead, He is there waiting for an invitation for us to call out to Him for help. The bible says God loves us with an everlasting love. I am reminded of the song that says, “He’s got the whole world in His hands.” God cares for each individual person and has the power to hold all of us in the palm of his hand. As you and I may continue to go through many trials and tribulations on this earth, remember we have already won this fight through Christ Jesus. The enemy has lost and has already been defeated; his fate sealed for all eternity. Praise God! The bible tells us that the enemy only walks around roaring as if he was a lion, but he is NOT. * Don’t give up on life or God. God surely hasn’t given up on you.
*1 PETER 5: 6-9 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him standing firm in the faith.
The next time you or I have negative thoughts of doubt and confusion; we just need to take back control over those thoughts. I know that this is easier said than done, but we need to remind the devil that he has no place or authority here. Simply stop, pray and praise; change the focus back to God and not the situation. You know, as children of God, we don’t have to fight any battles ourselves. God will fight your battle and my battle if we simply surrender it to Him. God has got this. I like to think of God as a personal bodyguard to protect us. He will protect us completely in our mind, body and soul if we ask Him to help us. I am finding that as I grow in my walk with God, it is starting to get easier for me to release control and surrender more to God. Don’t pick the problem back up. Let God have it. The Bible is filled with so much instruction and guidance of how to live this life according to God’s will. It also tells us that we are to walk in the spirit and to crucify the flesh daily. Don’t get overwhelmed as you walk out your faith; remember this is an ongoing process daily, weekly, monthly; for a lifetime even. Don’t lose hope. Keep your focus on Christ and grow in God’s word. Remember God loves you, and you are never alone.
Until next month, Dana.