Today I was thinking ~
Lately, it seems that I have been reading so many posts that weigh down the soul...the shootings of innocent people, the wars between lands, the brokenness of families, and the list goes on and on and on and on. I was reflecting about how these things affect my thinking...it can bring me to the dark side in a hurry. Then God lets me stumble on something that reminds me that He is still in control! I saw this posted on a friend's timeline one day this week.
"The other day I told God I'm done. He replied: Good, now I can begin."
Wow! That spoke volumes to my heart. I started to ponder...where are each of us in our faith walk with Jesus? Maybe you are not like me, but I'm usually miles away from where I need to be. I lose sight of what I should be focusing on and instead find my mind honing in on all the negative things that are happening, and that type of thought process keeps me separated from Him. There is nothing positive that comes from putting ALL of my energy into the negatives. This brings me back to what is wrong in my life...I have allowed myself to put ME in control again which is never a good thing.
I've always been taught that everyone has a gift. Well you will be glad to know that I have found mine...I am a "fixer." In general, fixers have a hard getting out of their own way! As a self appointed fixer, I seem to see only the things that need fixing...and then I am down a rabbit hole all alone wondering why everything seems so dark and out of focus. Why am I not able to FIX things...Hello...this is NOT the way God intended for us to live our lives. He does not call us to take care of everything; he just asks that we abide in Him which just simply means to dwell in Him. If we are thinking about Jesus with all our thoughts, how can we focus on the negatives? We CAN'T! What a revelation...when my mind is focused solely on all the difficulties of my life and the world, there is no room for me to grow in Him.
Keeping myself out of the way is the only way that Jesus can come in and "fix" ALL things...He can repair the way I think, what I think about, and place on my heart who I need to think about! I don't have to be the one that takes care of or fixes everything anymore. Now don't get me wrong...I still hate all the turmoil and hurt in our world and will continually pray for these things, but I cannot let it drag me into those dark places that pull me away from my faith journey. I can't stop the wars...I can't take the guns away from those who kill...I can't fix all the broken families...but what I can do is place these burdens before the ONE who can!
I must redirect my thoughts to be His thoughts...to think about the goodness that God has given me every day of my life. It's truly the only thing I can "fix" on my own. Abiding in Him keeps me focused on His goodness and grace. Only then will I continue to stay out of the dark rabbit holes and hopefully just be a light to someone....I just have to remember that God is God and He is our ultimate FIXER!
Cris
"Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always" 1 Chronicles 16:11
