I\u2019m in a great place now, but last week I was physically tired and struggling with staying positive. The haunting phrase, \u201cIf I had hands that worked, I could\u2026\u201d started worming its way back into my mind. It was not good and certainly not pretty as complaints started frequenting my lips. For many years when this phrase would take hold, I would immediately surrender my frustration to Jesus and then start doing as St. Paul suggests in Philippians 4:8 \u201cwhatever is true, noble, right; whatever is pure, lovely, admirable; if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.\u201d<\/p>\n
But for some reason last week I couldn\u2019t hold on to it. I was tired of the mental challenge of \u201cthinking about such things\u201d and the victim mentality was taking over. I knew I was in trouble. Rolling into what I call my \u201cprayer space\u201d near the fireplace in our family room, I bowed my head. After sharing my aching heart with the Lord and telling him I was having a hard time reaching for what was true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, I took a big breath and quieted my mind. Lord, blow your grace into my heart and my mind this afternoon. I don\u2019t want this worm to create a hardened heart. Your Word has always been my light, my guide. Why can\u2019t I \u201cthink about such things\u201d this afternoon as I have before? I\u2019m here to rest in You.<\/em><\/p>\n After sitting quietly in His presence, taking several deep, slow breaths, a new sense of calm entered the room. The Holy Spirit flooded into my thoughts. \u201cBe\u201d what Paul says to think about. Be it right now. Don\u2019t only think about it \u2013 be it. Be in the middle of such things. <\/em>At first I didn\u2019t know how to do this. But I simply centered my thoughts to the concept of all things true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable. What beauty came to my mind! What lovely images! Beautiful trees, sky, mountains, ocean, sun, peace, quiet, smiling friends. Your images may be different, but equally lovely when we center ourselves in God\u2019s excellence.<\/p>\n Be.<\/p>\n Be.<\/p>\n Be.<\/p>\n Thank you Jesus for saving me once again from my own mental destruction and t<\/em>hank You for reminding me to come into Your Holy Presence.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I\u2019m in a great place now, but last week I was physically tired and struggling with staying positive. The haunting phrase, \u201cIf I had hands that worked, I could\u2026\u201d started worming its way back into my mind. It was not … Continue reading