Going Through the Motions…
Here we are… another day. Some days are filled with Joy, Peace, and Thanksgiving. It’s on those days that I feel God’s mercies are new every morning. (Lamentations 3:22-23) It’s on those days where I feel refreshed! I feel hopeful! I feel excitement for what’s to come! I’m praising & worshiping the Lord! I find myself blasting worship & dancing with my 9-year-old boy! Life is good and I am enjoying the season God has me in!
Then, there’s days like today, where my emotions are everywhere. They feel high, they feel low, and sometimes I can’t even pinpoint exactly what I am feeling. It’s a sense of feeling overwhelmed and border line - coo coo! I like to blame it on “red ribbon week” perhaps coming along, or hormonal changes, lack of sleep, aging, yada, yada, yada. Although, those may all be contributing factors, I’ve come to find out that it all comes down to the spiritual battle in our minds! I have felt this “feeling” even as a kid growing up. Satan has been planning and plotting for years! He uses our current circumstances and emotions to manipulate, and feed us lies to TRY and overpower the truth. The truth is WE are a child of God. You and I are protected, and God has big plans for us & our future. (Jeremiah 29:11)
The enemy knows that and will try to get us to give into our “emotions” and flesh. This consists of giving into the anxiety, fear, discouragement, restlessness, jealousy, bitterness, impulsiveness, irritability, impatience, anger, selfishness, envy, and so much more! But we must put on our armor and be vigilant at all times! The enemy comes lurking, seeking who he can devour. (Ephesians 6:10-18, John 10:10, 1 Peter 5:8)
It’s up to us if we are going to decide to come into agreement with the enemy OR God. We must be ready for the spiritual attacks. If the enemy can grab hold of your mind and thoughts, he will start to influence your thinking to distract you, deceive you, and defeat you by getting you to doubt God’s truth and promises.
Here are some steps to take back what’s ALREADY rightfully yours:
We must take every thought captive
As soon as you recognize a thought that does not align with God’s character or word- rebuke it! (2 Cor. 10:5)
Speak God’s truth over your mind
Meditate on God’s word and truth by reading scripture. (Romans 12:2)
Reaffirm your Identity in Christ
Remind yourself who you are! You are a child of The Most High! Your Identity is in Jesus (John 8:36)
Seek Fellowship
I find encouragement from trusted friends are essenital. I always walk away feeling encouraged and overall better for venting and getting things off my chest. You are not alone. We were made to be in community and partnership. (Ecclesiastes 4:9)
