Yesterday, after great anticipation; I received the artistry for my first independently published book. This being a dream of mine to share with the world. My son worked for months on the artistry of that book; while I anxiously awaited the arrival. A tabletop book to inspire anyone who faced the sorrows of searching for love, sacrificial fighting to hold tight to a loved one, and then losing them to death. The artistry magnificent when I opened the email filled with the illustrations. Yet, suddenly; my heart became filled with fear. The steps too complicated to now go from this to the finished product. Perhaps, I am not smart enough to finish this! What is the next step? Is it worth the money I must spend to do this? Satan working overtime to cause fear and make me forget “In Christ, I am living blessed, even in a Chaotic World.”
Often, we allow ourselves to become paralyzed by negative thoughts; because, we listen to Satan’s lies. Certainly not a new occurrence in our modern society. King David frequently was found to “preach to himself” in the Psalms. You need only read the book of Psalms to find this occurring repeatedly. One prime example is noted in Psalm 42 & 43
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore, will I remember thee Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
Thinking Truth, not lies
Satan loves to tell us lies; reminding us of all that we aren’t and can’t do; because he wants us to fail. If he can paralyze us, we become ineffective in the ministry. Constantly he plants the seeds of doubt, fear, and thoughts of impossible; therefore, causing us to stumble. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said:
“Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny.”
Sometimes, we reap inaction; when the thoughts are all negative based on Satan’s lies; therefore, reaping a destiny of despair, instead of living blessed. In Christ, we possess everything needed to live joyful, boldly going forth to proclaim His Gospel of truth to a chaotic world so desperately in need of Him.
Psalm 84:5-12
Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah. Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed. For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.
Since the truth proclaims us as Blessed because we trust in Him; then, how do we conform our thoughts to this. For me, much like David; I have found it necessary at times to preach to myself truth.
10 STEPS TO LIVING BLESSED IN A CHAOTIC WORLD OF LIES
stop:
- Stop looking at the trials as burdens; but, rather see them as stepping stones to your next destination along this journey.
- Stop focusing on the negatives and start focusing on the positive. Pick out those things that are right about your life and focus on those.
- Stop thinking that you deserve more; because you don’t. Realize the truth: every breath you breathe is a gracious act of a Gracious God who owes you nothing; but chose to give you Himself.
do:
- Write down every smile, kind word, or kind gesture that comes your way; therefore, commanding your heart to see clearer the truth.
- Notice the glimpses of beauty that pass your way—like a sunset, a flower, a painting or a rainbow.
- Develop a gracious, grateful attitude in which you can say thank you to others and most importantly to say thank you to God. Be grateful that you have a glass of water to drink when you are thirsty, each morsel of food that you have, etc.
- Read and study God’s love letters to you every day; because, you will find Him there.
- Trust in God’s plan for your life. He sent His Beloved son so that He might redeem you unto Himself—what greater love could He have shown to you. So, trust His heart of love toward you to do whatever is best to guide you to a place of perfect joy, hope and love
- Write down every trial that you have been through in your life and on the opposite side write down the blessing that came because of that trial. Look for it—I assure you as a child of God—it is there. Ask God to reveal to you the blessing that was hidden in that trial.
- Listen to music that inspires you and brings joy into your life by praising God. Furthermore, surround your mind with scripture, bible doctrine and worship songs. Thereby, conforming and transforming your thoughts from misery to blessed; because, of preaching truth into your heart and soul.
concluding tweets
[bctt tweet=”Preach God’s truth into your heart & soul; thereby, living blessed in Christ” username=”effiedarlene”][tweetthis]In Christ, I have everything I need for living blessed[/tweetthis][bctt tweet=”God stands firm as my strength hope joy & love; regardless of the lies Satan whispers” username=”effiedarlene”]
This is an original Drawing by an amazing artist. Check out his work: http://roninron.com .
You cannot copy or duplicate this picture without permission; because of copyright laws.
featured photograph compliments of https://unsplash.com/@aleskrivec
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.