God First

Over this past few weeks I’ve noticed a recurring theme over and over again in myself and a few others I’m in contact with. Here are comments either myself or others have made:

“I wonder why [insert name] hasn’t called me. Did I do something to make her mad at me?”

“I sent an email to [insert name] and I have not got a reply. Why wont she email me back?”

“[Insert name] wont answer the phone. Why wont she speak to me or take my calls?”

“I went shopping and those dressed up ladies looked at me with disgust. I feel ugly and rejected.”

“Why wont more people leave a comment on my blog?”

The longer I entertain these types of thoughts, the more heavy laden and depressed I start to feel. But then I take it to the Lord in prayer.

Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

As I seek Him about the situation(s), I’m convicted about what I’m focusing my thoughts on.

Philippians 4:8 NIV

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Am I thinking lovely thoughts? No, I’m thinking thoughts that are depressing and most likely not even true! Perceptions are powerful and can appear to be real when they are actually false. The enemy can and will plant bad thoughts in our minds if we allow it. None of us should entertain ungodly thoughts. Scriptures tell us how to deal with it.

2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

How do we make our thoughts obedient to Christ? As it says in Philippians 4:8 above all, think about the things that are excellent or praiseworthy. What is excellent and praiseworthy? The Word of God. What does God’s word say about me?

It says I am created in His image and likeness. (Genesis 1:27)

It says that those who believe in Jesus are righteous and redeemed. (Romans 3:22-24)

It says we confess our sins we are forgiven. (1 John 1:9)

Let’s look up what God’s Word has to say about us and focus on what HE says.

The other thing I have asked the Lord, in the times these thoughts start to reign in my mind is “What do I need to focus on at this moment?”

Then I will see that I need to exercise, clean the house, read the Word, write an article or work on my book, prepare a lesson or speech, give the children or my husband my undivided attention, and so on and so on.

Am I seeking too much attention from others when God wants to bath me in HIM? Does He deny me the attention of others so perhaps I can focus on those who are in front of me or the task I need to complete? It’s during the times that I’m exercising, cleaning, spending time with my children, or just doing what He wants me to do that He shows me things—either approval or reprove. Either way I’m more the better for focusing on what He wants me to do. Put God first in all things!

Matthew 6:33 NIV

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Blessings in Christ--