My Mind

               This song I have listened to at least ten times in the last 3 days. I love how it places me right in lap of the Father.  Come to Me By Bethel Music. I've always had trouble sleeping. When I was younger, My dad would come pray over me in the middle of the night to try to get me to calm down and rest. This even happened into high school. Restlessness would overwhelm me. I've lately felt a spiritual attack on my mind. Thoughts of tragedy keep coming up.

               I've always thought to myself, "I've really had no big trauma or trials in my life so how can I have a testimony - Trials or loss must be right around the corner then." Never lost a parent or close relative. Never had any major health problems. Never struggled financially. So then my mind worries for when the ball is going to drop. The problem is that this view characterizes God as a mean Father who likes to punish or use hurt to teach us everything. This is simply not true. I have a really great earthly father and he didn't beat me to try to teach me how to ride my bike or do my homework. I don't think he EVER liked to see me in pain even when he disciplined me.

            Many people have different view of pain and suffering. My personal belief is that there are different types of pain and suffering and they don't all come from God. Satan mission is to kill, steal and destroy so you have to sort through every situation. I believe God works everything for our good so whatever the source of pain, the outcome with God will always be victorious. This whole topic is so complex and I've only touched on a small portion of it. So back to these crazy thoughts.

         The lies I hear about loss, tragedy, or trial fill me with fear. This leads me to believe they are not from God. Heaven's message if something hard were coming would be filled with peace or hope. Satan can use such manipulation like " xyz will happen but you'll be able to use it as a testimony". The christian buzzword = testimony. While I believe all things CAN be a testimony, I don't think God needs more death or pain to prove a point to his children who are right with him. He is more wise and powerful then that.

         My plan to fight off this manipulation is through filling my mind with truth about God character through songs or scripture. That why I love that song. It reminds me of the Love of God. I also quote Psalm 23 a lot.

 

Come to Me- Bethel
I am the Lord your God, I go before you now
I stand beside you, I’m all around you
Though you feel I’m far away, I’m closer than your breath
I am with you, more than you know

I am the Lord your peace, no evil will conquer you
Steady now your heart and mind, come into My rest
Oh, let your faith arise, lift up your weary head
I am with you wherever you go

Come to Me, I’m all you need.
Come to Me, I’m everything
Come to Me, I’m all you need.
Come to Me, I’m your everything

I am your anchor, in the wind and the waves
I am your steadfast, so don’t be afraid
Though your heart and flesh may fail you, I’m your faithful strength
I am with you wherever you go

Come to Me, I’m all you need.
Come to Me, I’m your everything
Come to Me, I’m all you need.
Come to Me, I’m your everything

Here are some questions I go through when testing thoughts:

1. Is it consistent with scripture?
2. Is it consistent with God's character?
3. Does it create fear or faith?

Also I'm extremely susceptible to things I see on TV which I believe most people don't acknowledge as a possible enemy to your thoughts.

Philippians 4:8
 ^"Finally, brothers and sisters, 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."
  
 I don't pretend to know all about trials, loss or tragedy but I know that I want my mind full of hope and faith. Faith ushers in great victories- David, Deborah, Moses, Esther, etc. We are more than conquerors!