Imaginations of the Heart
By Kelly Mowrer
Why is it often easier to imagine bad things happening, than to picture good things?
Why do we default into anxious thoughts?
Why do we look at our present situations and picture dismal outcomes?
In the Bible, story after story of men and women of God show that in the most hopeless, dire situations, they are expecting and looking forward to victorious, triumphant outcomes. No matter how dark or uncertain things look, they expect deliverance and joyous triumph.
Mordecai: Deliverance shall arise! (Esther 4:14)
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: Our God is able to deliver us. (Daniel 3:17)
Moses: Stand still--watch the salvation of the Lord. (Exodus 14:13)
Their expectation in the power of God and certainty of His victory in what they’re facing is simple, basic, and a foregone conclusion.
And their trust in God remains unshaken no matter what. They don’t even express fear at the possibility of death; instead, their words show a calm, easy mindset.
Esther: Seek God's will with serious prayer and I will do the right thing; if I perish, I perish. (Esther 4:16)
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: If He should not deliver us, we will still do the right thing. (Daniel 3:18)
Job: Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him. (Job 15:13)
So how do I begin to live like this?
1) I can stop using my mind to imagine hopeless or ominous outcomes. Instead, I can focus on God's victorious right arm powerfully working outcomes on my behalf that bring me great joy and thankfulness, in fulfillment of His promises;
2) I can remember that for a child of God there is only one outcome—God wins. His will is done. All is well. All things work together for good in my life.
3) And I can fight worried thoughts and fear of the unknown with the Word of God. I can repeat to myself the promises and assurances He’s given and find power and strength in HIS words to me:
Stand still--stop anxiously going over and over the situation in my mind and instead watch the salvation of God working things out better than I have hoped for. What He ultimately has in mind for me exceeds even the absolute best outcome that I can imagine. His best for me also includes the best timing for the answers to come, so be patient. Wait on the Lord, be of good courage. Don't get weary of doing the right thing while I wait. Don't give up and turn away from waiting to try and find my own answers. Don't waste my energy that way. Keep my energy renewed by waiting patiently and not losing heart and focus. Praise Him while I wait--Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and don't forget all of His benefits.
© Live at the Well.
Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that you do not alter the wording in any way and do not charge a fee. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by Live at the Well.
Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: By Kelly Mowrer. © Live at the Well.
Why is it often easier to imagine bad things happening, than to picture good things?
Why do we default into anxious thoughts?
Why do we look at our present situations and picture dismal outcomes?
In the Bible, story after story of men and women of God show that in the most hopeless, dire situations, they are expecting and looking forward to victorious, triumphant outcomes. No matter how dark or uncertain things look, they expect deliverance and joyous triumph.
Mordecai: Deliverance shall arise! (Esther 4:14)
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: Our God is able to deliver us. (Daniel 3:17)
Moses: Stand still--watch the salvation of the Lord. (Exodus 14:13)
Their expectation in the power of God and certainty of His victory in what they’re facing is simple, basic, and a foregone conclusion.
And their trust in God remains unshaken no matter what. They don’t even express fear at the possibility of death; instead, their words show a calm, easy mindset.
Esther: Seek God's will with serious prayer and I will do the right thing; if I perish, I perish. (Esther 4:16)
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: If He should not deliver us, we will still do the right thing. (Daniel 3:18)
Job: Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him. (Job 15:13)
So how do I begin to live like this?
1) I can stop using my mind to imagine hopeless or ominous outcomes. Instead, I can focus on God's victorious right arm powerfully working outcomes on my behalf that bring me great joy and thankfulness, in fulfillment of His promises;
2) I can remember that for a child of God there is only one outcome—God wins. His will is done. All is well. All things work together for good in my life.
3) And I can fight worried thoughts and fear of the unknown with the Word of God. I can repeat to myself the promises and assurances He’s given and find power and strength in HIS words to me:
Stand still--stop anxiously going over and over the situation in my mind and instead watch the salvation of God working things out better than I have hoped for. What He ultimately has in mind for me exceeds even the absolute best outcome that I can imagine. His best for me also includes the best timing for the answers to come, so be patient. Wait on the Lord, be of good courage. Don't get weary of doing the right thing while I wait. Don't give up and turn away from waiting to try and find my own answers. Don't waste my energy that way. Keep my energy renewed by waiting patiently and not losing heart and focus. Praise Him while I wait--Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and don't forget all of His benefits.
© Live at the Well.
Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that you do not alter the wording in any way and do not charge a fee. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by Live at the Well.
Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: By Kelly Mowrer. © Live at the Well.