This world with all the complexities, the trials, the conflicts and the sorrows that surround our hearts and minds daily would crush the strongest of mankind were it not for hope, inner peace, joy and a knowledge of purpose which allows one to rise above the clamoring noise of destruction. Perhaps that is why so many run to cling tight to new age philosophers, positive thinking, and even the prosperity gospel which has penetrated our churches. We so want to avoid any emotional pain and to find some way to stop those voices in our head. The methods given by the new age philosophers are alluring and filled with methods which at first glance appear fundamentally sound. Indeed, they seem to work at first; yet, the problem is not the methods as much as it is on what they base their trust upon. They base their philosophy upon digging deep within, surrounding one’s self with positive thoughts, looking in the mirror while proclaiming one’s self as powerful, beautiful, successful, and filled with peace. The power they believe comes from one’s own mind. Still, what about when you do it all; yet, tragedy strikes? Or when your heart has been broken one too many times and the hard cold casing you have surrounded your heart with becomes a lonely and dark casket, what do you do then? What about when the mind is lost in a coma, alzheimer’s, or a brain injury? If my only hope is in the power of my own mind and my inner strength, what then? Oh, yes; I do with all my heart believe in positive thinking; but, the difference is on what I place my hope. The foundation of my hope is in the Great I am, God—my Creator, my Savior, my sustainer and my Father. That relationship can only be found through the redemptive work of Christ. It is Christ in me, my hope of Glory. (Col.1:27)
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Knowing who I am in Christ is the key to true fountains of joy bubbling up within me even when the world crashes in around me; not, some counterfeit outward joy that I must prop up with my own mind or self-boasting, self-exalting behaviors.
It is only knowing the truth of God’s fathomless, unconditional love for me which can mend this broken heart of mine and fill it with so much love that I can shine forth that love to those around me. It is the knowledge of the exceeding Greatness of God’s Power toward me that can give me hope in the face of every road and turn I take. Imagine this, the Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent creator of the Universe loves me and is guiding my every step—what do I ever need to worry about.
So, we need to be careful when we read the “positive thinking” philosophies that we remember who we are in Christ. Paul even warned us of this very truth.
2 Timothy 3: (GNV) “1 This [a]know also, that in the last days shall come perilous times. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, cursed speakers, …high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God,5 Having a show of godliness, but have denied the power thereof: [c]turn away therefore from such.6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive simple women laden with sins, and led with divers lusts,7 Which women are ever learning, and are never able to come to the acknowledging of the truth.”
You have to love Paul here. Read what he writes is proof that he is telling the truth. I Timothy 3: (GNV)10 [e]But thou hast [f]fully known my doctrine, manner of living, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience, 11 Persecutions, and afflictions which came unto me at [g]Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra, which persecutions I suffered: but from them all the Lord delivered me.12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution.
Paul said, “You have seen the proof of my joy, hope, faith, patience, love in the midst of severe persecutions and afflictions.” Wow. Instead of pointing out his life was free of all trials; instead, he pointed out that the proof was that in the midst of chaos, he had peace. In the midst of trials, he had faith. In the midst of sorrows, he had a steady, rising joy. In the midst of persecution, he had forgiveness and love. In a similar fashion, many times the proof of God’s Power and Glory in our lives as Christians is showcased to a world in need by our response to trials and tribulations. My banner of truth comes out of the miracle of God’s Grace in a heart such as mine. My heart is filled to overflowing with genuine hope, joy, love, peace and strength despite a lifetime that was filled with failures, tribulations, abuse, devastating illness, financial losses and a heart that has been broken over and over again. Yet, I know how incredibly blessed I am. All I ever needed is found in Christ. For that reason I can rise up and sing a song of joy and praise each morning of this my life. I want to share with you the secrets of how to become so centered in Christ that you can know what it is to be fully alive. Ephesians 3: “16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”
So, please dear friends; let’s embark on this journey to power filled positive thinking; as, I try to open the flood gates of light into the knowledge of who you are in Christ. What a perfect season to start this series, as we approach Christmas.
Isaiah 9:
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
I am fully Alive because of my life being in Christ. Listen to this song. Alive by Natalie Grant
1599 Geneva Bible (GNV)
Geneva Bible, 1599 Edition. Published by Tolle Lege Press. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations in articles, reviews, and broadcasts.
©2014 Effie Darlene Barba
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