The other day, someone sent me a text message that they thought would bring me joy. It was a kind gesture, but I did not respond to the message for no other reason than that I was focused on something else and knew I’d get to it eventually. That same person sent me another message a few hours later that was filled with regret, wishing they hadn’t sent the first message because maybe it was the wrong thing to do.
Have you ever done this? Taken an action, then second guessed yourself, “Was that the right thing to do?”
Did you start rehearsing it over and over, feeding the doubt that was beginning to bubble over in your head? Then, of course, that doubt foams into worry, which then erupts into a volcano of regret or fear. All of this occurs simply because you second-guessed yourself…
Well, maybe you haven’t been here, but my friend has, and so have I. The reality is that sometimes my friend and I forget just how great He says we are. We start listening to the wrong song in our head. You know, the sad, depressing one that doesn’t give life when all we have to do is change the channel and listen to the song of life, the song that radiates from scripture.
Let me show you something my Bible says:
“For It is God which worketh in you both to will and do of His good pleasure.” Phillipians 2:13
Well, that’s sweet, you may say. But read that again…it IS The All-Knowing/The Creator of ALL things who choose to also work within you and me! When I get to the place where I believe this, my whole world will change. It Is: presently, currently, right now, in this moment, God at work within me. He knows the gift of His spirit inner dwelling within me and you, and He works in that spirit to will and to do of His good pleasure.
Let me show you something else my Bible says:
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” Psalms 23:6 KJV
“So why would I fear the future? Only goodness and tender love pursue me all the days of my life.” Psalms 23:6 TPT
What follows me? What pursues me?
“Goodness and mercy!”
What comes around the corner right after me? What is chasing me down all the time?
“Goodness and mercy!”
So, if God is at work within me and goodness and mercy follow me, how do I think THOSE thoughts continually (play that song in my head) and not the thoughts that feed regret, doubt or worry, second-guessing?
How?
Simply by choosing. I get to choose what to believe (what channel to tune in to). My belief brings about my reality. Today, I choose to stop second-guessing myself and believe that it is God at work within me, and that goodness and mercy follow me. (Someone, please turn this into an actual song for me! One with an upbeat melody and a piano interlude.)
Let me show you something else my Bible says:
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love the God, to them who are called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:28
How many things work together for good? Like a song I listen to says, “…Even when I can’t see it you’re working. Even when I don’t feel it, you’re working.”
He is absolutely a “way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper!”
So, let’s do some simple math together.
All of this is a state of mature love, and according to 1 John 4:18, mature love casts out fear, doubt, worry, or even second-guessing myself.
Confidence in my waymakers’ and promisekeepers’ ability to do His part gives me the confidence to live free from fear. I can shine bright and be love!
My God is love. I have His love in me. I choose to act out of love; therefore,
I will trust that all things will work together for good.
We are going to blow it at times. Usually, it’s unintentional, maybe sometimes even intentional, but either way, we have to get to the point that we instantly forgive ourselves and move on.
No more rehearsing negativity over and over in my head, creating a conversation that never existed instead I:
Get honest
Forgive
Love
Get grateful, quick! This is how I live free.
I wanna close by simply reading Philippians. This is where our thoughts reside on a daily basis.
“Be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life. Let your joy overflow! And let gentleness be seen in every relationship, for our Lord is ever near. Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, and then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ. Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always.”
Philippians 4:4-8 TPT