{Solution = changing your thoughts}
As I share in Called to be a Keeper; I struggled with fear and worry in my mid-twenties (and I struggle today more than I would like to admit). I knew where those ‘strongholds’ came from, but I didn’t realize I had a choice in whether or not they consumed me. The good news from God’s Word is that “greater is He who is in me than He who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) In other words, as a Christian, we do have the power within us to kill those thoughts and not become a slave to them. However, the longer we have allowed them into our minds the harder it can be to become free of them.
We have to tap into the power of the Holy Spirit and obey God’s Word when it says, “Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things” (Philippians 4:8). Taking thoughts captive truly is a discipline. It does require training. However, if you ask the Lord to prompt you each time you entertain ‘unworthy’ thoughts He will be faithful to do it.
How about you? Are there thoughts that plague your mind daily, keeping you in bondage to anger, hurt, frustration and the ‘what ifs’ of life? What are they? Recognize them now and give them to God through the power of the Spirit within you. Would love to hear from you!
In His Love,
Lori
Ruth,
Thank you for your transparency and honesty. I certainly will pray for you and I will ask our ministry team to do the same. The good thing about this situation is that you already recognize that you are living in fear and you are in bondage to this fear. Praise God because the is the first step to becoming free. Romans 8 would be a great chapter for you to read and give special attention to. While there, focus on verse 15 which says, “For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” We both know God would not have you live in fear. God wants the best for your marriage and He wants to grow you both closer to Him and then you will grow closer to one another.
I am also reminded of the Truth in 1 John that says, “…perfect love casts out fear…” Finding Scriptures such as these and memorizing them and praying through them as you become anxious or fearful will allow the peace of God to overwhelm you. One other passage of Scripture that I believe will be helpful: 1 Peter 5:6-9. In particular–”…casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you..” Pay attention to the next verse for this is your instruction. You are to be on the alert for what the enemy tries to do. So, as God gives us warnings of what the tactics of our enemy are, He also gives us instruction as to what we are to do in response. I encourage you today Ruth, to take action. Use the power of the Word, the Truth, the Sword of the Spirit to combat the battle you are in!
Maybe wise counsel from a godly couple or a pastor or Christian counseling could be beneficial as well. I will be in prayer for you.
In His Love,
Lori
Dear Lori,
I ‘stumbled’ upon your website when I typed in struggling with trust. I have been a believer since I was 17 but for many years struggled to trust the LORD completely for my salvation. At 20, I my mother died after a prolonged time of illness (MS and then cancer) and then I married in the fall to a guy I date seriously in HS. I was married almost 20 years this man who claimed to be a believer but was unfaithful to me many times and eventually left me for another woman, then married her. I was single for 12 years, leaning on the LORD, raising our youngest daughter,and feeling like I was completely healed.
Just this past year, the LORD brought a former HS sweetheart back into my life, and we were married 10 months ago. He is definately a man of God and is so easy to love and be with, but I find myself fearing a lot of the time that he will do the same thing as my first husband. I hate not trusting him,and there are times when I start searching for things like the phone bill or his face book page to see if he is talking with someone else. He has struggled to trust me too,his first wife was unfaithful as well, but I know that I am spiritually sick in this area and need the LORD to do a miracle to heal me. I think I am in bondage to this fear and would appreciate your prayers and encouragement. thanks and bless you for your website.
In Christ,
Ruth