I was skimming through a book* my husband got me last year, and I came across this:"We all know how to use the remote control to change the channels on the TV. If we see something we don't like, no big deal-- we just flip channels. We need to learn how to mentally change channels when negative images of the past pop up in our minds unexpectedly. Unfortunately, when some people see those negative experiences on their minds' "screens," instead of quickly changing the channels, they pull up a chair and get some popcorn, as though they're going to watch a good movie. They willingly allow themselves to relive all those hurts and pains. Then they wonder why they are depressed, upset, or discouraged.
Learn to change the channel. Don't let your mind or your emotions drag you down into despair. Instead, dwell on the good things God has done in your life. "
I think that is really good. Let's save the popcorn for the really good movies and memories.
"A merry heart does good, like medicine,
But a broken spirit dries the bones."
But a broken spirit dries the bones."
"Reckless words pierce like a sword,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing."
but the tongue of the wise brings healing."
"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."
"No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven."
*(the book my husband got me was Your Best Life Now by Joel Osteen)
5 comments:
Indeed, dwelling on the good things God has done and will do for us is important. However, it is also important for us to rememeber the sufferings of the past in order to be drawn closer to God.
I tell people to be available for God to use you to accomplish His will today!
You can read more about God here:
Musings of a Maverick
Once in a while, I have something good too.
Thinking at Doe Valley
Wesley,
I was not saying let the bad things in our lives be for nothing. God can bring good out of any bad situation, and we can certainly learn things from our mistakes. This quote from this book reminded me of times in my life and in the lives of others I have known, where we let ourselves be defined or held back by past things in our lives. It is not exactly the same thing.
I think that our minds can create our proverbs. I also think it is time to separate the old testament from the new. We have a generation thinking about the new testament and a new group thinking the thoughts of the old testament. Then also we have those that mix and match to suit their situation.
Ali, awesome post my dear!! I agree with you and Mr. O 100 percent!
We cannot dwell on the past and relive all the negative stuff, but we can certainly recount the mercies and goodness of our God to us over all our years! :)
I love you, my beautiful, wonderful friend! And I thank God for you! :)
Love,
Lisa-Anne
I love your post and agree with it 100%...I couldn't of said this better myself.
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