the Journey- No stinkin thinkin

 Thursday devotional

No stinkin thinkin

In the past years, I had anxiety episodes that evolve into panic attacks caused by stress. I learned that I need to be thoughtful of my thoughts, that it is okay to say no, and I can't control everything. I also learned that God is so good and knows what we need before we ever do.

Many times we try to think, plan and do things because we want to control everything. We need to learn to let go of the situations and stressed and let God do what he promises he will do. I find a lot of comfort in the fact that I can go straight to the word and that it is the same, yesterday, today and tomorrow. I also find peace that the word is black and white. It's true.

The enemy would like to keep us under control with pain, anger, stress, all the things that will actually harm us not help us. What we think we need and might be good, in the long run is just destroying us, our family and our witness. But God tells us,

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jer 29:11

His plans are for hope, for life. Anything other than that comes from the enemy. So we need to be on guard of stinkin thinkin. We need to trust what comes from God. If it doesn't line up with the word then it is stinkin thinkin.

So if you are like me and are trapped by stinkin thinkin then we need to start with the word and get our thought life back in control. How? We do what word tells us to do. Philippians 4:8 Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].

Heaven Father, we give you all glory and worship you as our Lord and Savior. We know we are broken and in our humanness try to take control of our lives. But we thank you that your love and mercy is so great that you can make beauty with our ashes. Help us take our thoughts captive and decern what is not of you. May our thoughts be your thoughts, thoughts of peace, love and prosperity for others. Let only edifying words pass our lips. And let our actions be a sweet aroma unto you. We give you all our love, praise and worship. In Jesus name. Amen.

the Journey-