“Our enemy knows if he can
influence the way we think, then our thoughts will determine how we feel, and
our feelings will shape how we live.” –Renee Swope, A Confident Heart
I started thinking about the
times when I felt insecurity and self-doubt building and piling up on top of
itself. Before I knew it, I was trapped under the heap of negative thoughts and
insecurity. It was hard to change my focus and turn to Jesus for the truth.
However, there have also been
times when I was quick to recognize that my thoughts were not of God. I was
able to see it, turn to Jesus, and stop the enemy in his tracks before it
brought me down that day.
So, what made the difference?
Why was I able to recognize it quickly one day, but not the other?
As I pondered this, I
remembered when my daughter broke her arm a few years ago. We were told to stay
on top of the pain. As soon as it started to hurt again, she was to let me know
so I could give her pain medicine. If we waited, the pain would get worse, and
it would be harder to get control of it.
The days I’m able to
recognize right away that the enemy is working on me are the days I’ve been in
constant communication with Jesus. From the moment I wake up, I’m talking to
Him.
Before you think I spend
hours on my knees in prayer, that’s not what I mean. Yes, I pray throughout the
day, but also talk to Him about anything and everything. Whether I’m asking Him
what our plans are for the day, thanking Him for letting me see Him in some way,
or confessing that I don’t know what I’m doing and need His guidance, I try to
stick close to Him. With Jesus by my side, I’m able to stay on top of the
negative thoughts and insecurity.
But there are days when I
forget to include Jesus in my day. Without the constant contact with Jesus, I
make myself an easy target for Satan. I’m rushed and busy, and I don’t see the
attacks coming. Lies. Self-doubt. Insecurity. It builds up and weighs me down,
and before I know it, I’m struggling to get control of it.
Now, it is never too late to
turn to Jesus! However, I find it harder to turn my thoughts when I’m already
spiraling down in negativity and self-doubt. But when I’m spending my day with
Jesus, my focus is already on Him. I can react quicker, and I can pray God’s
promises before the doubt makes itself at home.
Have a blessed week!
In Christ,
Laura
That constant communication is what is SO critical to our being able to live in the Spirit moment-by-moment, letting Jesus live through us. Thanks for sharing and for linking up!
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