In times of distress and acute pain, our “bent-out-of-the-shape-God-intended” minds seem to gravitate toward lies rather than truth. (At least, mine does.)
Like flaming arrows, our minds are battered with the unrelenting assaults of the enemy, filling our minds with all things untrue i.e. “Life is hopeless now,” “I’ll never know joy again,” and, for me, the most tormenting thought of all (when considering my son’s death), “If only I had…..” What are we to do against this non-stop onslaught? WHAT AM I TO DO!!
But, therein lies the error: I’m asking the wrong question. I should be asking, “What did HE do?” When my focus fixes on Christ rather than my fears a transformation takes place: peace fills my soul.
However, like Simon Peter, when I focus on the tempest rather than on Christ, I sink like lead. There is ancient literature, unlike any literature on this planet, that quiets the tempest in my mind, gives purpose to the pain, restores my soul, and helps me focus on what is TRUE rather than lies. The psalmist summed it up perfectly when he wrote, “The sum of Your Word is truth.” The psalmist continues, “The unfolding of Your Word gives light; it imparts understanding…., Great peace have those who love Your Law; nothing can make them stumble.” (Psalm 119:130, 160, 165)
In my house, we have approximately 30 sheets of copy-paper hanging up literally everywhere – on the oven door, on the cabinets, down the hallway, on the washer & dryer doors….everywhere. Every sheet of paper has a different scripture on it. In a life (or home) that’s been hit with an “emotional tsunami” – and you feel yourself tossed like a leaf in the West Texas wind – the Word of Almighty God is our “true north.” It never changes. It’s always true. And, more than that – it’s ALIVE (Hebrews 4:12).
So, this I know: when the enemy viciously attacks with his lies & deception (which he does every single day in my mind), I do my best to leave the response to the One who, Himself, is the Way, the TRUTH, and the Life: Jesus Christ.
Once again, the psalmist says it perfectly: “I shall have an answer for him who taunts me, for I trust in Your Word.” (Psalm 119:42)
For me and I know for you as well Nick, that “bent-out-of-the-shape-God-intended” mind that we tend to listen to also comes in times of highest praise and when I am closest to God. I have experienced times of intense pain and intense praise and closeness with God. I am putting up scriptures this week around our house. We are in the process of rebuilding our house and home. Physically our house and emotionally our home. Wendie and I are in counseling with our pastor and learning things that are drawing us closer to God and as a result obviously with each other. I know that many times when 2 alcoholics or drug addicts marry and one sobers up the marriage breaks apart. Because the one who is still an addict cannot cope with a whole person. When two Christians are married and each draws closer to God on their own it can hurt the marriage because our carnal nature continues to hurt the marriage. We are growing together towards the Lord and each other and that makes the difference. We are also going to write scripture verses onto the concrete foundation when they start to build. God is so good! I know as sure as I know that Jesus lives, that the fire was directly okayed by God. For reasons I will go into later in my life and my wife’s the fire has changed things for our good and His Glory! Thanks Nick.