I’ve been spending some time reflecting on the headlines pertaining to current events.
As I’ve noted in previous posts on this blog, we have a choice about what we not only spend our time on, but also how we allow those things to engage with our hearts.
I’ve decided to give a little insight on this post, just how I’ve been approaching them.
Approaching them with a heart to not let them take over.
Hopefully, you will find this a helpful idea.
If your idea is different than mine, feel free to message me, or share in the comments.
My approach is by using scripture, God’s promise to me, to keep my heart in a place that is peaceful.
This is not to say that I am not disturbed by what I’m reflecting on, it is to say that my heart can be at rest in spite of it all.
It is the only thing I’ve tried that actually works.
The issues;
Sickness. Politics. Social unrest. Child pornography. Sex trafficking. Too many more to even comprehend.
When I think of SICKNESS; I reflect on 3 John 2 (NKJV) Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
When I think of the current state of POLITICS; I reflect on 1 Timothy 2:1-2 which tells us to Pray for All People – First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
When I think of the SOCIAL UNREST all around us; I reflect on 1 John 2:15-17 which tells us not to love the world; Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. Loving the world more than God can only cause discord.
When I think of CHILD PORNOGRAPHY; I reflect on Luke 17:2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin.
When I think of SEX TRAFFICKING; I reflect on Psalm 82:3 that says to defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.
When I think of many other things disturbing the world we live in, too numerous to name; I reflect on Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Looking at His creation I can see His glory. This gives me hope everyday.
My approach is simple, and yet not always easy.
Sometimes this approach goes against the way we are wired.
This is where the decision making comes in.
I must decide if I want to be laden down with care and frustration, or filled with joy, and yes, even hope.
Maybe this post will help you to make some decisions for yourself?
The right choices will begin to change how we think, see, and feel.
The best way I have found has been to begin to read and understand what the Bible says about who I am, and what is in my heart and mind.
Accordingly, I GET (it’s a privilege! ) to choose how I see myself.
Do I see my self the way I always have?
Or do I see myself the way God sees me?
That choice is my own, and beloved, it is also yours.
Your choice belongs solely to you.
God’s word says that “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female created he them.” (KJV)
Do we choose to believe that, or do we choose to believe what others have said and done.
It all boils down to choices.
Do you know that I was 20 years old before I even realized that I HAD CHOICES?!?
But you? You can know it today.
We need to choose wisely; our thoughts, our deeds, our words.
We also need to guard our hearts.
Especially now, when these ideas are new to us.
Our old ways of thinking and being will certainly try to come back and overtake the new ground that we have just planted.
Guard our heart.
How do we do that?
We must continually nourish our new “plantings” by watering them; a lot.
In Ephesians 5, the Bible speaks of “washing of the water of the word”.
How we water is by always going back to what the word of God says.
Daily quiet times, or personal reading of verses, audio versions, or even devotionals can all be very helpful tactics.
There are so many ways to do this, we simply need to find out what fits our personality, our time schedule, our lifestyle.
Alongside the “watering” of our new soil, we need to be watchful for weeds.
As with any garden, the hard work of sowing can be overtaken by weeds, if we allow it.
What do I mean by weeds?
Well, the ones that I have had to overcome were old thoughts of insecurity, someone elses opinion, or maybe the toughest one, that enemy of my soul, who hates my guts, and wants me to fail tries to have this conversation with me;
Enemy; (In his best snarky voice) Well why don’t you do that? (Think that, feel that)
So I do what if feel God wants me to do
Enemy; (In an even more snarky voice) Well why on earth did you do that?
Then I simply feel defeated and used
I have an important thing to fill you in on about that!
God will NEVER speak to you in a way that will make you feel defeated, or cheated, or used.
If you hear THAT voice, it’s a lie from the enemy of your soul, the one who hates your guts.
HIS voice is always loving.
God will never ask you to do something that will cause you to feel abandoned after you’ve done it, or use a voice when speaking to you that will cause you to feel worse than when you began.
If this defeating voice happens in your head; RED FLAG!
Run (choose) very deliberately to go back to the word of God.
Seek HIS voice and council on the matter.
The Bible says that God will not ask you to do anything that will contradict His word.
We must forgive ourselves, and others.
We cannot forget our past, BUT we CAN forgive those who caused us pain, and then receive what we need from our father in heaven.
You’ve heard it said that “Hurt people, hurt people”.
This is so true.
How many of those hurt people had no clue that they were hurting you.
One of Jesus’ last words on the cross were “Forgive them Father, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Imagine, the most evil behavior of all time, and the doers were unaware.
On page 122 of Healing the Orphaned heart by Casey Treat, Casey writes this – “Your job is to take heed of yourself and keep your self free. Keep your heart open through confessing (my note: Saying what God says about you) what is right and what is wrong. Forgive yourself. Do not stay mad at yourself or anyone else.”
Romans 12:19 (ESV) Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
Lastly, let God teach you how to live your life in a big way.
Whatever He has called you to do.
Release what you cannot change -Don’t waste your precious energy on things that you can do nothing about.
Take steps towards change – If you CAN change it, then take a step. Doing what you have always done will not help you to get anywhere!
Tell your heart the right things- The world we live in constantly sends us messages that we are unhappy; We never have enough; We’ll never BE enough. It causes us to always be in a state of longing for something we don’t have, when really what we need is peace on the inside of us!
Have a chat with God each morning – It does not have to be elaborate, or even very intelligible, because He can read you heart. It can be as simple as “Good morning God. What are we doing today?” Just make the effort, so that He can meet you where you are.
Erin Hanson
Don’t be afraid of failing, be more afraid of not trying!
Here are a few links/helps, in case you want to delve into this topic more.
Significant Encounters 
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