In a recent visit to my Parent’s home, we spent some quality time together, talking and catching up, since my last visit. They updated me on our local community; sharing the latest news from family, old friends, neighbors and our Church Family.
Our conversation covered everything from the most recent obituary, the financial markets, fashion, the upcoming presidential election, to current and global events.
Somewhere along the way, the conversation segued to our “thought life” I told how Satan is constantly attacking my mind. I shared with them a recent post I’d written on the matter and a conversation I had recently had with my brother; where he too admitted this barrage of taunts on his thought processes, as well.
While the Medical Community might have you believe these symptoms are much more serious. The Master Physician is always available to take your burden upon Himself.
My Mom said that she experiences the same thing but tries to remember that God’s Word tells us in Philippians Chapter 4, that if anything is “Praiseworthy” to think on these things. We continued to share along this subject matter but I noticed my Dad, really hadn’t indicated that he struggled from that same onslaught on his thought life, that Mom and I had shared. So, I said, “Dad, you’re awfully quiet over there…how do you handle it?”
Dad looked up with the sweetest, most peaceful, contented, smile on his face and said, “I learned a long time ago, when I got saved… to just give it to Jesus”.
I so love my Dad! He is such a sweet, gentle, soul and speaks volumes of wisdom in very few words!
However, on my drive home, I contemplated my Dad’s comment and thought: (but, I’m always trying to “give it to Jesus”…I desperately want to give those crazy, disruptive, unworthy, discouraging, negative thoughts to Jesus)! However, Satan just doesn’t ever seem to let up on me! And then, I thought about how my Dad spoke his words with such conviction!
Webster’s Dictionary defines the word conviction used in this context as:
a) the feeling of being sure that what you believe or say is true
b) a strong belief or opinion
I think I’ve focused too much on “trying to give it to Jesus”, which is nothing other than waging war against Satan. The more I try, I actually keep the dialogue open and allow Satan room to creep back into my thoughts. However, like my Dad, when we are convicted, we “BELIEVE” that we are yoked to The Father and when we give our struggles to Jesus, that our burden becomes light.
Matthew 11:28-30 New International Version (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.
When we are obedient to God and give Him our burdens, it allows us to shut down the crazy, disruptive, unworthy, discouraging, negative thoughts and walk away with a clear, sound mind. Do you ever find yourself relying more on your own strength? Are you “trying” (like me) to make things happen or to handle struggles on your own… instead of “believing” and giving your burdens to Jesus?
Can you think of a specific time when you relied on your own strength instead of asking for help and guidance from God? Share your message in the comments section below, telling how you’ve dealt with this or a similar scenario.
Prayer For Today:
Father God, we thank you for everything that Your work on the cross has done for all those who “believe”. Help each of us to put our Faith into action, finding the rest our souls are guaranteed, when we take your yoke upon ourselves, and learn from You.