Words of Inspiration BlogInspirational and Uplifting

Spiritual Discernment

 Philippians 4:7-8 - And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Dear Friends – It is my prayer that this article will somehow bring enlightenment on your spiritual journey and reacquaint you with the fact that our feelings can at times be deceiving. Our feelings are often the product of our thoughts, and without discipline our thoughts can run amok, leading our feelings down the same path. Feelings and emotions must be controlled if we are to grow in our relationship with the Lord. False emotions, like fear, can wreak havoc on our love walk, and be prohibitive in our prayer life. If you find yourself drowning in a sea of emotional turmoil and negative feelings, it’s time for a mental checkup, what’s real and what’s not? What must I attend to and what am I wallowing in?

In the above passage of scripture, we are given a list of things to think on. Beloved, we at times do have thoughts that are destructive to our self image, and we at times do have thoughts that are destructive to our relationships. But a well disciplined mind, a mind that is not allowed to race out of control and be carried away by every emotion or feeling, can be achieved. Look at the above list and ask yourself why are we instructed on what we should think about? I believe God knows how debilitating our thought life can be, how crippling our emotions can become if not kept in check. If we allow ourselves to have thoughts of self degradation or self pity we begin to isolate ourselves and perhaps even to the degree of accusing others of just not understanding rather than admit our thought life and feelings might in fact be in error. In the cloudiness of too much negative thinking, we too fall prey to a lack of understanding and lose our good judgment. Too much time spent in pondering our inner lives, the whys and wherefores, is unproductive and can lead us into depression, or deepening depression should it already be present to some degree. That is why God instructs us to think on things that have virtue and value in our lives. If we constantly tell ourselves we’re worthless and useless, before long we will start to believe it, and once we believe it, we will begin to act on it. But if we are thinking on things that are beautiful and of good report, even if we must use discipline to do so, we will by the same token feel more at peace with ourselves and with the world around us. And as you begin to take  captive every negative thought, before long this discipline will have a great reward. You will have a renewed strength and joy, a peaceful countenance to which you may not be accustomed and that in itself might require adjustment and a “settling down” if you will. You will no longer be tossed around emotionally by every careless word spoken by others. The things that used to so easily offend you won’t seem so important anymore. And above all, you’ll get a free pass off the emotional roller coaster that is so destructive to our personal lives.

Scripture says in Hebrews 12:12-16 – Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; 13 Make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. 14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: 15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled. If you are in sorrow and weakness today,  overwhelmed by negative thoughts and feelings, take heart my friends. Through Jesus, you can turn and let it be healed, for crippling emotions will lead you off course. Follow peace in your life for where the Spirit of the Lord is there is peace. Root out any bitterness in your soul. Let the grace of God soothe the dis-ease in your life and save you from the hand of the enemy that is too strong for you. If you allow yourself to be overcome and taken down by negative feelings and emotions, others will naturally go down with you. Be the bridge of hope for your friends and family today, a bridge that leads to exceeding great joy. Believe God’s best for your life and you’ll be the best for others.

There are harsh facts in life that of course cannot be denied or ignored. There are things in life, people and situations, that need our attention, and some well-thought-out plans.  Scripture says in Proverbs 16:3&9- Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. 9 A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps. God has given us freedom of choice, freedom of will, but it is up to us with His help to choose our way wisely. We are a living testimony to those around us as to how we handle stress and turmoil, what we do with the exceeding good things that come our way (will we use them for selfish purposes, squander them, or use them for God’s glory), and whether our joy is real or just a deceptive portrayal to hide the out-of-control emotions and feelings we may be dealing with on the inside.

May these words of inspiration encourage you this moment, these words of encouragement open your eyes to the abundant life that awaits you through faith in Christ Jesus. Yes, you or a family member may be seriously ill, but choose to believe the good report about this illness. Stand on God’s word that says  “by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). If you are  troubled and embittered, anxious or fearful, believe His word that says ”Fear not, for I am with thee, be not dismayed for I am thy God… ” (Isaiah 41:10). For all that we face in life (scripture says “there is nothing new under the sun”) is covered by God’s marvelous grace and in this grace there is nothing lacking, nothing missing. Because of God’s grace no weapon formed against us shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Test the waters of your emotions and feelings, dear ones. Ask God to show you what’s real and what needs to be discarded. Ask Him for an abundant supply of spiritual discernment that you might be able to shun the offenses and learn to walk in love. Your feelings should not be controlling you. Rise up and take control of them in truth.

In His Love,

To continue reading other blogs continue to scroll down.

To post a comment click on  “continue reading” and  comment box will be displayed.

Bookmark It