REDIRECT YOUR THOUGHTS TO JESUS
From Traci Brooks, Vocal Director, Cielo Vista Church, El Paso, Texas
It comes in waves for me. Anxious thoughts. Worry. Feelings of frustration and stress. Feelings of loneliness only worsening because of the self-isolation and quarantine due to the global pandemic, COVID-19. What a time it is that we are living in today.
It’s easy to have one little thought and then your mind starts racing in all kinds of different directions. It’s easy to get irritated with your spouse or your kids because of the constant close quarters.
It’s easy to turn on the news and let fear and anxiety creep in.
I find comfort in knowing that Jesus probably had these same thoughts at some point or another during His time on earth. But He never sinned. He was fully human and fully God. He knew how to combat these thoughts with scripture. Using His sword, He was able to fight the enemy who would never let up.
Ephesians 6:10-13 says:
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Take up your shield so your anxious thoughts can cease! Verse 16 tells us to “take up the shield of faith so that you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” The enemy wants nothing more than to see your focus on what’s going on in the world instead of on The Lord and His purpose for you right now. He wants to get you distracted. So, you must take up your shield so you can redirect your thoughts on Christ.
Verse 18 says to pray all kind of prayers. And pray for the Lord’s people. Turn your thoughts to God. Pray about whatever you’re thinking and however you’re feeling. He wants to have that conversation with you. Let God have your worries and your fears. He can handle it.
Although we may be stuck in our homes, away from our friends and extended families right now, we still have the opportunity, and as believers, the obligation, to share the gospel. Find creative ways to do this. We have so many awesome ways to share with people and still be in community with others through technology these days.
Let’s continue to be the church -- to be like Jesus. Let’s extend grace over and over to those who need it. Let’s pray for God’s guidance and then trust that He will help you.
When your mind starts to wander:
1-Replace your worry with worship.
2-Trust God in His strength and sovereignty. He will handle it.
3-Pray for The Lord’s people.
4-Exemplify the gospel.
I hope this encourages you today. ... See more
