Mind Over Matter
October 14, 2010
I recently attended a moms bible study in my area. It happens to be at the church where my daughter attends pre-school, and upon drop off one morning I was cornered in the hallway and invited to join the study. I declined since I had planned on running errands that morning. When I got to my car I felt like I needed to turn around and walk right back into the loving arms of that dutiful sister reaping the harvest of spiritually hungry moms. I wanted in on whatever was happening in that bible study room.
I'm so glad I did. I find it refreshing to listen and (who are we kidding) talk with other moms. But through the eyes of the Lord I was able to see something much more precious. A room filled with His daughters, all coming together under His wings that morning and feasting upon His word of life. Among coffee and home baked goodies, I felt the comfort of the Father and His peace as I was able to engage and listen to the deepest worries of their hearts. This scripture laid heavy on my mind:
“... for out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34 NIV)
What many don't realize is that we are planting seeds-both good and bad- whenever we open our mouths among each other. We will also reap what we sow with those seeds. This particular study is one by author and speaker Jennifer Rothschild called Me, Myself & I: A Thought Closet Makeover. It's about examining what we put into our thought closets, because what goes in there is exactly what we will clothe ourselves in. What incredible insight! What is truly incredible is that Ms. Rothschild has no sight at all. At the age of fifteen, she was diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease that eventually left her blind. By listening to her speak from her heart, I believe that the Lord has blessed her with an amazing ability to tune into Him by her other senses. Think about it: if you had the inability to be distracted by the world through your eyesight, would you not hear a little bit stronger? Would you not taste a little bit richer? The thought makes me want to hide in my closet, shut my eyes so tight I see stars, and beg the Lord to speak a little bit louder.
When we fill our heads with negative self talk, it takes over all our thought patterns and emotions. I'm trying to recognize when these thoughts are assaulting me. Sometimes it's too late to stop them. What a relief to know that through the power of my loving Father, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”(Phil 4:13 NKJV)
I can remove those thoughts as quickly as I sowed them, replacing them with good seeds that will begin to multiply.
Let me encourage you with this:
Our Heavenly Father greatly desires to commune with us. Hide in your closet today, shut your eyes tight and beg him to speak a little louder. His words are like honey. His promise is clear: “You will fill me with joy in your presence.” (Psalm 16:11 NIV)
In the words of Ms. Rothschild, what's in your thought closet?
|
