Escape That Prison Cell

This is a great illustration of how we can trap ourselves when we focus on what we don’t like.

Our thinking can really adjust the way we see life when we dwell on what upsets us. The forces of darkness are ready to twist our mind when we entertain dark thoughts. The only place Satan can attack us is through our minds, however, they can never alter the way we see life unless we give permission. Subtle at first, negative thought escalating as we dwell on them.

I woke early this morning with sadness about ways I’ve been mistreated. Just feeling left out can really mess you up. Then as I read God’s Word about what Jesus went through though He did no wrong, I was reminded that unease can happen to anyone, but it’s my choice how I let it affect me. God put’s it this way…

You find God’s favour by deciding to please Him even when you endure hardships because of unjust suffering. If you are mistreated when you do what is right and you faithfully endure it, this is commendable before God. 2 Peter 2:19-20

Living with criticism for doing things like healing someone on the wrong day would have been hard to take. Imagine being accused at every step when your motive was only to bring forgiveness and freedom to your accusers. That would have been horrific, but it didn’t stop Him fulfilling His determination to bring salvation to anyone who accepted Him. Jesus’ example of enduring through abuse was the perfect example of how we can also overcome, bringing us hope. Just like we can accept or reject His salvation, we also need to choose what we do about each situation we face.

God hasn’t left us without guidance though, He says:
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him. “1 Peter 5:8-9 NLT”https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+5%3A8-9&version=NLT

Wanting to have things our own way all the time is also a means for disappointment. Because we live in community and what we do ultimately effects others, our wants will sometimes be denied.

God puts it this way:
Repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; the vicious habit of depersonalising everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. I could go on. This isn’t the first time I have warned you, you know. If you use your freedom this way, you will not inherit God’s kingdom.” Galatians 5:19-21

So what does God advise us to do with thoughts that take over our minds and bring us down?

So keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God,[a] praising him always. Philippians 4:8 The Passion Translation

But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighboUr, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don’t take yourself too seriously – take God seriously. Micah 6:8

Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, that you and your descendants might live! Deuteronomy 30:19 NLT

Please share this message with those you love because a word from God to someone in desperation has the power to change their understanding forever!

2019 Elaine Costin – Capturing Sunrise / Blog