Category: Emotions

The GOAT Part 4: Anger

It’s been a strange year for all of us. The pandemic and a variety of other challenges have wreaked havoc on our emotions. Although I’m usually calm and even-tempered, I’ve been surprised by the amount of anger I’ve felt this year. Most of my extreme feelings have been sparked by circumstances beyond my control, not specific people. However, I’ve often vented my anger on others in ways that they didn’t deserve.

I’ve had to pray through my anger many times in the past year. So, Jesus’ teaching on it in the Sermon on the Mount seems especially relevant right now:

“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.” (Matthew 5:21-22, NIV)

Murder seems like a much bigger offense than anger, but Jesus shows us here that both come from the same root within us. Anger influences our feelings when we stew on it in our minds. Soon it reaches a boiling point and we overflow with resentment. If this pattern continues, our attitudes are flavored with bitterness and our relationships are tainted.

In His teaching on anger, Jesus gives several solutions we can use to keep ourselves in check and to prevent anger from taking over: “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24, NIV)

If you know you’re at odds with another person, seek reconciliation rather than avoiding them. In a modern context, “offering your gift at the altar”could be any activity for or with the Lord: praying, reading your Bible, making a financial donation, volunteering, serving, leading a Bible study, singing a worship song, attending church, etc. This teaching encourages us to reach out and make things right with others before engaging in spiritual activities. It echoes the prophet Samuel’s words to King Saul: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22, NIV)

Jesus continues His teaching saying, “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.” (Matthew 5:25-26, NIV)

Jesus’ point here is that we shouldn’t let animosity with another person remain unsettled or it will spill over and affect others. When hard feelings escalate and we include more people in the conflict, this magnifies the issue and causes a ripple effect. Think of a contentious divorce or a rift between close friends. When anger leads our decisions, many people get hurt. Is the emotional carnage really worth it in the end?

Scripture has many wise words on anger. If, like me, you’d like to grow in handling your anger biblically, try applying these principles next time your blood begins to boil:

1) Recognize and admit if you’re being prideful or handling your anger sinfully. Sometimes our anger is justified, sometimes it isn’t. Pause and ask yourself if your anger is something you need to process only in prayer or if you need to address it with the one who offended you. Confess it to God and to anyone who has been hurt by your anger: “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13, NIV)

2) Leave room for God’s wrath. This is especially important in cases of injustice, when people abuse those who are innocent.  The Lord is righteous and all-knowing; we can trust Him to act justly in His timing, not ours. We cannot control how others behave or respond, but we can make the changes needed on our part: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (Romans 12:17-19, NIV)

3) Return good for evil. We can transform our feelings toward adversaries by empathizing with them as fellow humans. Recognize their brokenness instead of viewing them through the lens of anger: “On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:20-21, NIV)

When you’re ready to confront the one who stirred up your anger, keep these principles from the book of Ephesians in mind:

1) Be honest and explain what caused your anger. People cannot read our minds; we must speak the truth in love: “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”  (Ephesians 4:25, NIV)

2) Keep short accounts. Don’t be a peace-faker by avoiding your anger and letting it build up. Deal with it before it reaches a boiling point. Be mindful of what triggers your anger and set healthy boundaries with those who don’t bring out the best in you: “’In your anger do not sin’ Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” (Ephesians 4:26, NIV)

3) Attack the problem, not the person. Talk to the person, not about them: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” (Ephesians 4:29 & 31, NIV)

4) Don’t react on your first impulse or let your anger lead you. Pause and ask the Lord to show you a godly way to respond. De-escalate the tension instead of adding to it: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32, NIV)

Cooling a hot temper is not accomplished overnight. But through prayer, Bible study, and reliance upon the Holy Spirit, ungodly anger can be overcome. If, like me, you’ve allowed anger to lead you, why not join me in practicing healthier responses? Seek to glorify God and watch your thoughts and relationships change for the better.

Portions of this post were adapted from this article:

https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-anger.html

This post was also inspired by Tyler Scott’s sermon at CPC Danville:

http://www.cpcdanville.org/ministries/worship-arts/media/the-goat–the-sermon-on-the-mount–part-4–message-on-demand/

Letting Go

Pulling up to the house, tears welled up in my eyes at the first glimpse of the “For Sale” sign planted in the front lawn. It was yet another catalyst for the grief I’ve been experiencing since losing my mom to cancer six months ago. After sorting the contents of my parents’ home of 45 years, it was time to let it go. Imagining life without it made me feel adrift and untethered. 

I remember when we toured the model homes and chose the lot where our house would be built. I was six years old and the sting of moving was temporarily soothed by the prospect of living in a two-story house in a brand-new neighborhood. However, my enthusiasm waned when construction wasn’t finished by the time school started. Instead of getting acclimated to our new home, we spent six weeks making the 45- minute commute with our dad to our new schools. Every morning a lump would form in my throat and I’d fight back tears when it was time to leave for school. I dreaded being away from the comfort and security of my mom’s presence. My tearful departures didn’t let up until one day when she leaned down to hug me and said, “Even though I can’t be there with you, Jesus can. Just remember that He’s there holding your hand, no matter what.” Her words were such a comfort to me that my tears stopped flowing. Every day after that I’d plead, “Tell me again, mom. Tell me about Jesus holding my hand.” The angst I’d felt at the start of each day soon faded.

Later that fall, we finally moved into our new home. I loved riding my bike to explore the paths that wound through the greenbelt behind our house. Inside, my brothers and I created a “fort” in a small attic space, piecing together carpet remnants on the floor and hanging posters in the rafters. We signed our names on a beam above the small doorway to make it an official “clubhouse.” In later years, my boys enjoyed exploring the fort and adding their names to the others above the doorway, which remain there to this day.

I remember summer afternoons when the whole family would be in the pool. I spent hours attempting to master back flips off the springy diving board. In the evenings we loved watching brilliant sunsets as orange and pink clouds slowly faded to black. Hot summer nights often called for walks in the neighborhood before sitting on the deck to talk and laugh while eating cold watermelon. Later, when we had kids of our own, the backyard was the scene of many memorable celebrations. I still picture my boys and their cousins frolicking in rafts in the pool, swatting piñatas at family birthday parties, and eating homemade ice cream on July Fourth.

The kitchen was the center of activity in our home. For years I did my homework sitting at the large oval table that faced the backyard. I loved to perch my elbows on the counter and chat with my mom as she made dinner. The ritual of meals around our kitchen table was a source of comfort and security for all of us. Despite the large size of our family, eating together nightly was typical. And many times, there would be extra people in our midst—interns from church, visiting relatives, or neighborhood friends. The number of people we could wedge around the table seemed limitless. 

Once my siblings and I grew up and had families of our own, we continued to gather around the table for special occasions. When our kids were little, my mom would fill the kitchen with miniature tables and chairs to accommodate her beloved grandchildren. She didn’t mind how cramped the space became with the extra bodies because she loved having all of us together.

The formal living room was the one place in the house that always stayed tidy. The only time it was messy was on Christmas, which we celebrated there every year from the time I was in first grade until my own children were in high school. I can still picture piles of boxes, gifts, and ribbons scattered around the room.  I also remember watching with envy as my older siblings took prom pictures there with their dates; I couldn’t wait for it to be my turn. A few years later I posed for photos in the living room on my wedding day.

So many memories swirl in my mind when I envision my family’s home, it’s hard to imagine someone else living there. In the days leading up to selling it, my stomach lurched every time I pictured the “For Sale” sign. Letting go of the house triggered grief that left me feeling fragile and vulnerable. It was the last tangible link to my parents and my childhood. Selling it made sense, but that didn’t make it any easier. On the day we signed papers agreeing to the sale, an entry in Sarah Young’s Jesus Calling brought me just the reassurance I needed:

“THIS IS A TIME IN YOUR LIFE WHEN YOU MUST LEARN TO LET GO: of loved ones, of possessions, of control. In order to let go of something that is precious to you, you need to rest in My Presence, where you are complete. Take time to bask in the Light of My Love. As you relax more and more, your grasping hand gradually opens up, releasing your prized possession into My care.

You can feel secure, even in the midst of cataclysmic changes, through awareness of My continual Presence. The One who never leaves you is the same One who never changes: I am the same yesterday, today, and forever. As you release more and more things into My care, remember that I never let go of your hand. Herein lies your security, which no one and no circumstance can take from you.” (March 24 entry)

The words reminded me that my security isn’t based on anything in the world, not even good things like my parents or our family home. One line especially caught my attention: “Remember that I never let go of your hand.” I thought back to my mom’s reassurance to me when I was a frightened first grader starting at a new school. She told me that Jesus would be there to hold my hand, even when she couldn’t be. And she was right.

My childhood home doesn’t belong to us anymore, and I’m making peace with that because my true refuge and security didn’t rest there anyway. Jesus promised: “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:2-3, NIV) Ironically, one of my mom’s caregivers reminded me of this passage a few days before she passed away.

I’m going to keep putting my hope and trust in the One who provides an eternal home for me: “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.”  (Psalm 62:5-7, NIV)

Followers of Jesus look forward to the day we’ll finally be at home with our heavenly Father. Even now, He’s preparing a place for us. Enjoy Cory Asbury’s song “The Father’s House” as you celebrate this truth: 

Lastly, take a stroll down memory lane and get a taste of my childhood as you listen to “Our House” by the English band “Madness.” It was released when I was in middle school in the 80’s and quickly became a family favorite. I can still picture my parents dancing to it in our kitchen with goofy grins on their faces. 

Sarah Young, Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence, Thomas Nelson, 2004.

The Voices We Follow

Leaning forward, I placed my frozen yogurt on the table and looked into her eyes. “Maggie, I love you and you’ll always be welcome at D-Group, but I guarantee you won’t want to come if you continue down the path you’re on.” My bluntness caught her by surprise and she quickly refuted my prediction, assuring me she’d never stop coming to youth group or meeting with the girls in our Discipleship Group. She was sure she could toggle between the high school party scene and her fragile faith.

I’d met Maggie a year and a half earlier on our church’s annual houseboat trip. She was an incoming freshman brimming with enthusiasm. I was a young, new leader ready to pour into a group of high school girls. Maggie and her best friend were the first ones I met that week and we made an instant connection. The three of us spent a lot of time together that summer. Once school started, we gathered weekly with a group of girls their age to share life and study the Bible. But by the beginning of her sophomore year, other activities began to have more allure to Maggie. Parties and popularity seemed more exciting than youth group, Bible study, and church friends.

Maggie was confused, not sure which voices to heed. She’d tasted enough of God to know He was good, but her parents had never really encouraged her involvement at church. False friends promised fun and excitement that seemed more appealing than the solid and stable lives of the Christians who cared about her. In the years that followed, Maggie popped in and out of my life less and less. She was always invited and included in our group’s activities, but rarely came. It saddened me to learn that this funny, talented, bright-eyed girl later struggled through addiction and a string of bad relationships.

Like many of us, Maggie had a lot of voices speaking into her life, but she didn’t know which ones to trust or follow. Sadly, she’d been exposed to biblical truth, but strayed further and further from Jesus as deceptive voices lured her down other paths. Her story exemplifies Megan Fate Marshman’s description of the cycle of shame: “In our fallen world, we are being bombarded with lying voices at every turn…Theses voices convince us that we are unacceptable…pushing us to respond through hiding and blame. These shame responses lead us into further isolation, as we choose to close God and others out, believing we can only trust in ourselves. This creates space for greater lies to reign in our hearts. The only way we can truly combat these lies is allowing God and his powerful voice of truth in.” (page 31)

Jesus shows us the alternative to this in John 10 when He describes Himself as a shepherd who lovingly leads His flock: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:27-28, NIV)

Listening to Jesus and following Him sounds simple, but with so many voices clamoring for our attention, it’s not always easy to know which ones to ignore. I think that’s where things went sideways for Maggie—she listened to the loudest voices rather than evaluating which ones truly wanted the best for her.

Earlier in John 10 Jesus explains “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:9-10, NIV). Megan explains, “Like a thief, these voices hope to force their way into the Inner You. It takes an active heart not to receive them.” (page 31) The most dangerous thief we’ll ever encounter is the devil. Although he can’t snatch us from God’s hands, he’ll do whatever he can to steal our joy, kill our hope, and sabotage our faith.  In another passage, Jesus describes the devil by saying, “He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44b, NIV)

So how do we differentiate between the loving voice of our shepherd, the deceitful voice of the devil, and the unreliable voice of the world? Without a doubt, the best way is by evaluating what those voices are telling us in comparison to the unchanging truth of God’s Word. Studying the Bible consistently is critical.

Discerning between these three voices also requires thought and prayer. A few years ago, someone gave me a printed guide that helps me to recognize what voices to follow based on the tone, motive, and character of the messages I’m hearing. Over time, I’ve added on to the guide as I’ve had experiences with the different voices. I’ve included it below to help you tune your ear to the voice of the Shepherd over all others.

God’s Tone of Voice: Soothing, quieting, peaceful, encouraging, inspiring, grace-filled, reassuring, forgiving, gentle, loving, kind, hopeful, patient, joyful, respectfulSatan’s Tone of Voice: Insistent, demanding, rash, accusing, defeating, discouraging, doubt-inducing, pride-building, vengeful, bitter, self-centered, critical, negativeThe World’s Tone of Voice: Comparison focused, fearful of what others think, bases value on exterior qualities, struggles with wanting to measure up, stirs up insecurity
God’s Motives/ Character: 
Builds relationships, empowers us to do what is right, gives us courage, provides wisdom, gives peace, stretches us and challenges us to grow, reassures us, convicts to bring positive and healthy changes, offers grace, understands, forgives, promotes truth		Satan’s Motives/ Character: 
Destroys, deceives, accuses, divides, isolates, turns people away from God, induces guilt, creates self-loathing, capitalizes on doubts and insecurities, exaggerates faults, magnifies misunderstandings, makes sin appealing and acceptable		The World’s Motives/ Character: 
Pleases people to gain acceptance, works to fit into the “right” mold, satisfies self, looks out for self, judges & compares self and others, pursues comfort and convenience, avoids hard things, keeps up appearances, bases values and standards on popular opinion

Take a moment to consider this list. Use it to ponder Megan’s questions: “How have you seen lying voices push you or others into a Cycle of Shame? How can receiving God’s voice into the Inner You help to combat this cycle?”

Reject the enemy’s lies and remember the truth of who you are in Christ by listening to “My Testimony” by Elevation Worship.

Megan Fate Marshman, Meant for Good: The Adventure of Trusting God & His Plans for You, Zondervan, 2020.

Image from pixabay.com

More Like Jesus

Opening Megan Fate Marshman’s book Meant for Good: The Adventure of Trusting God & His Plans for You made me curious, but also skeptical. The cynical side of me wondered what more we could learn from two Bible passages that most Christians have heard many times: Jeremiah 29:11-13 and Romans 8:28-9. But as I delved further, I realized these Scriptures overflow with spiritual truth that we may miss at first glance.

You may be familiar with Jeremiah 29:11 since it’s often used to reassure people in times of uncertainty: “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’” (Jeremiah 29:11-13, NIV) 

This passage was originally written to Jewish people who had been living as exiles in Babylon. The Lord had allowed them to be carried into captivity as a consequence for their worship of idols and rebellion against Him. The hope-filled future this passage promises ties directly to the state of their hearts. As they turned back to the Lord, He would listen to them and they would be able to renew a genuine relationship with Him.

In the original Hebrew, the word “heart” describes “the most interior organ” and encompasses our minds and our inner being. Strong’s Concordance explains that the heart is the seat of desire, inclination, or will. It is also the well of emotions, knowledge, and wisdom. All of our thoughts, desires, words, and actions flow from the heart.  So, when we’re seeking God with all our hearts, our gaze is fixed steadily on Him. This is what the Lord wanted for His people when they were captives in Babylon, and it’s what He wants for us today.

Another oft-quoted verse that Megan covers in her book is Romans 8:28-9:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” (Romans 8:28-29, NIV)

Most of us know verse 28 well, however, reading verse 29 is essential to understanding the definition for “good” in this context. We often interpret it to mean easy, comfortable, pleasant, or favorable. For many of us, “good” is synonymous with getting what we want, when we want—or having events unfold according to our desires. However, in the original Greek, the word “good” describes that which is beneficial in its effect. One commentary explains “The things themselves may not be good, but God harmonizes them together for believers’ ultimate good, because His goal is to bring them to perfection in His presence. Even adversities and afflictions contribute to that end…this is a continuing activity of God. And His working is on behalf of ‘those who love Him,’ who are further identified as the ones who have been called according to His purpose.” 

According to Romans 8:29, the ultimate “good” in God’s purpose is for us to be more like Jesus. So, when we seek Him with all of our hearts, we trust that whatever events unfold will be used to transform us to be more like Jesus—not to make us comfortable or to make our lives easier or happier. 

At this point, you may be thinking this definition of “good” doesn’t sound very enticing. So, let me share a personal example to show how hard things can be good and can make us more like Jesus.

Three years ago, my eighty-three-year-old mom was living on her own in the house where I grew up. Her health was starting to slip, but she was stubborn and independent and had no interest in moving. Unfortunately, a series of medical issues landed her in the hospital. When she was released, she decided to move into an assisted living community near my home where she could maintain her freedom but have more support when she needed it.

Over the next two years, my mom and I found a rhythm. I managed her bills, her house, her medical appointments, and her care. I got to know her friends, her schedule, her habits, and her needs more intimately than I ever had before. My four siblings helped when they could, but the responsibility for my mom rested mostly on me. This made sense since I lived much closer than all of them. I tried hard to be gracious and understanding about my siblings’ busy lives and the many valid things that kept them from being involved more consistently. As time progressed, I even preferred handling most of my mom’s affairs on my own. It was easier and less complicated than having them opt in where and when they could. I didn’t see it at the time, but in hindsight I recognize that pride and resentment were beginning to build in me.

Two years later, when my mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given months to live, my siblings all jumped to action, wanting to be involved and informed about every detail. They came to town often to be supportive and to spend as much time with our mom as possible. I welcomed and encouraged their involvement, but also felt some underlying anger. Suddenly I was managing my mom’s care while coordinating visiting schedules and trying to keep her house in order for them. I was feeling territorial and grasping for control amidst many disruptions in my life, but I didn’t see it at the time. Resentment was lurking beneath the surface, but I ignored it and acted like everything was fine. Still, my unacknowledged anger leaked out of me, robbing me of sleep and making me irritable and impatient with others. When I finally recognized what I was feeling, I started praying daily, asking God to take my thoughts captive and to make them obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5) Over time, He answered those prayers, helping me to release my bitterness and resentment and to find grace and gratitude for my siblings’ presence and involvement.

 God worked through that hard season to refine me and to help me understand myself better. He conformed me to be just a bit more like Christ by exposing my pride and resentment and covering it with His grace. His goodness softened my heart and fostered healthier relationships in my family. There’s no doubt I’ll continue to grapple with those negative emotions at times. But I also know that as I seek Him, He will bring about His good purposes and continue making me more like Jesus.

The verses from Jeremiah and Romans highlighted in Meant for Good contain powerful and transformative truth. I’m excited to study them with you over the next six weeks. Let’s start by listening to Fernando Ortega’s “Lord, I Want to Be Like Jesus” and making it our prayer throughout this study.

  • Megan Fate Marshman, Meant for Good: The Adventure of Trusting God & His Plans for You, Zondervan, 2020.
  • Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2001.
  • John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Victor Books, 1983, page 474.

Discipline Isn’t Punishment

Cradling my broken arm in his hands, the physical therapist gently straightened it and bent it, testing for flexibility. I felt vulnerable without my wrist and elbow braces but wanted to do what was needed to help the healing process. After kneading the muscles and tendons around my elbow, he said, “I’m not gonna lie to you, this next exercise will hurt.” With that, he began rotating my lower arm slowly back and forth. I squeezed my eyes shut as every muscle and tendon surrounding my fractures tensed with searing pain.

Before leaving, I asked the therapist how I could differentiate between “good” and “bad” pain. Knowing which motions would help the healing process would motivate me to press on, even when it hurt. I see a parallel here with the emotional pain we endure through difficult circumstances. Kelly Minter explains, “There’s a big difference between automatically viewing our suffering as God’s punishment on us and recognizing His restorative discipline, which can sometimes be painful.” (p. 98) Some hard things we experience are for our benefit. Kelly suggests reading this passage from Hebrews for further study:

 “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. ‘Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.’” (Hebrews 12:7-13, NIV)

The word “discipline” comes from two closely related Greek words: “Paideia” and ”Paideuo.” Both involve correcting, instructing, and educating another person.   The words were originally used to describe rearing children but were later used in reference to teaching believers who were young in the faith. One word that was not part of either definition was “punishment.” There are nine different Greek words for punishment, but none of them includes these words. Discipline has nothing to do with revenge or seeking justice after someone has violated a moral code. Although our culture sometimes uses the words “discipline” and “punishment” interchangeably, they are two entirely different concepts.  Discipline is not for retribution, but for our benefit.

The Hebrews passage tells us that hardship is a form of discipline. This means the difficult experiences we face in life can be used for good. Sometimes God allows painful circumstances to refine our faith or to build our trust in Him. Other times, He wants to get our attention or to show us we’re putting our hope in something other than Him. Occasionally He allows positive things in our lives to be removed to make way for better ones. With our eyes on God, even the worst situations can make us spiritually stronger.

I’d never paid much attention to the last part of the Hebrews passage until breaking my arm a few years ago. It says we should accept discipline to “strengthen our feeble arms” so that “the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.” If I had been unwilling to do the painful therapy required to restore strength and flexibility to my arm, I would’ve been disabling myself in the long run. Although my fractured bones would have healed, the stiff tendons and muscles would not have become flexible again without some serious effort. The result would have been limited mobility that would’ve hindered my daily tasks and physical activities.

Similarly, submitting to God’s discipline heals and strengthens us so that we don’t go through life emotionally and spiritually stunted. Trusting God through challenging times also keeps us from becoming bitter or from wallowing in self-pity. Instead, we lean into Him through the pain, knowing that He is using it to produce a “harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

When we let God use pain to draw us to Him, we open ourselves to receive His peace, healing, and strength. Is there some hardship in your life that the Lord may be using to discipline you? Will you let him do it? Remember, it’s for your good and His glory.

Kelly Minter points us back to truth in light of this hard topic: “As we close today, let’s contemplate the immense love God the Father has for us in sending His beloved Son, Jesus, to be our atonement…How can we justify ourselves when our sin is ever before us? The truth is we can’t. And that’s preceisely why Jesus has done it for us. What hymn says it better than…’It is Well with My Soul’”? (p. 119)

Click on the link and be encouraged by Lauren Daigle’s version of this beloved hymn.

Kelly Minter, Finding God Faithful: A Study on the Life of Joseph, Lifeway Press 2019.

Looking Back, Looking Ahead

One of the first things we learn when driving a car is how to keep our eyes on the road ahead while glancing in the rearview mirror regularly to see what’s behind us. This makes good sense with operating a vehicle, but also with navigating our lives. Turning the page on my Advent devotional, I found a set of questions designed to reflect on the past twelve months and to prepare for the year ahead. The exercise didn’t take me long and brought some clarity to what I’ve experienced this year. So, before we charge into 2021, let’s take some time to do this together. I’ll share some of my answers if you promise to write your own at home too. (Maybe you can write one of your answers in the comments too, if you’re feeling generous.)

1) How did I see God at work in 2020?

As the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the world, the Lord used it to slow me down and to help me see the noise and distractions that hinder my connection with Him. He’s teaching me to be more engaged in the present instead of always anticipating what’s next. I also saw God use the end of my mom’s life to develop more authentic relationships with my extended family members. Now, how did you see God at work in 2020? Take a minute to write your answer before you keep reading.

2) What has God taught me about His character?

He is trustworthy and always at work behind the scenes. When I’m feeling anxious or afraid, I’m learning to pray, “I trust you Jesus” and to lay my concerns before Him. Now, what has God taught you about His character this year? 

3) What has God taught me about myself?

My drive for efficiency and productivity often causes me to push past my emotions. Through the loss of my mom, I’m learning to acknowledge my feelings and to be honest about them with others. The Lord showed me that avoiding emotions causes them to leak out in ways that can be hurtful to others and harmful to me. So, what has God taught you about yourself this year? Take some time with this and be honest.

4) What was an unexpected joy this past year? 

My younger son launched to college and my husband and I became empty nesters. Although I braced myself for this significant life transition, it was actually much sweeter and more enjoyable than anticipated. With our kids thriving on their own, it freed us to enjoy our marriage and home in new ways. What was an unexpected joy for you this year?

5) What was an unexpected sorrow? 

Last year at this time I didn’t know my mom would be leaving us so soon. Her cancer diagnosis in July and passing in October were a lot to process in a short time. How about you? Was there an unexpected sorrow in your year?

6) What is one thing you’re grateful for in 2020? 

This year I’m grateful for the hope I have in Christ. Sitting with my mom at the moment she passed away made this more real to me than ever before. Looking beyond the obvious hardships of this year, what is one thing you can find to be grateful for in 2021?

7) What is one thing you’re proud of in 2020? 

I’m most proud of writing a new Bible study called Extraordinary Prayer: Using God’s Word to Expand Your Prayer Life. I’m grateful for the time and inspiration the Lord gave me to write it. What are you proud of this year?

8) What was the most challenging part of your year? 

For me, it was navigating care for my mom– first with COVID restrictions and then once she was diagnosed with cancer. Taking her to appointments, setting up hospice care, and acting as the point person for all things related to her was intense and draining. Additionally, I was the one communicating with medical workers, family, and friends. All the events around my mom were by far the most challenging experience of my year (and maybe of my life).  What was the most challenging part of your year?

9) What was the highlight of your year? 

For me, it was going to a deeper level in my marriage. Some of this came through sharing pure fun together—a beach vacation before COVID, lazy summer days waterskiing, hikes and bike rides. But much of it also came from sharing painful moments together, like sending our boys to college and realizing we are no longer in the active parenting phase.  Saying goodbye to my mom, shedding many tears, and sharing many prayers together also deepened our marriage. What was the highlight of your year?

10) What’s your prayer for 2021? 

Mine is that the Lord will use me to influence and impact others. I want to spread His kingdom for His glory and the good of other people. I pray He’ll use the Extraordinary Prayer Bible study to draw many hearts into a closer, deeper relationship with Him. I pray that God will continue to use me, develop my gifts, help me to steward my resources, and guide me in whatever 2021 holds.  What’s your prayer for 2021?

In Psalm 77: 11 & 12, the psalmist writes, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” Remembering the Lord’s faithfulness to us bolsters our trust in Him and spurs us on to continue seeking Him. Take some time to reflect on the past year and to prepare yourself for what’s next. You’ll be glad you did.

If you’re excited to share how God has worked, consider posting a comment so that others can celebrate with you.

*Questions for this post were inspired by the Advent 2020 devotional guide produced by shereadstruth.com.

A Different Kind of Christmas

Tears welled up in my eyes as I rounded the corner onto my street and spied my front porch. Two small Christmas trees with twinkling lights stood on either side of the door, replacing fall pumpkins that had been there when I left. Pulling into the driveway, I felt physically and emotionally depleted. The previous five days had been consumed with sifting through the contents of my childhood home–44 years worth of our family’s belongings. Decorating for Christmas had been the last thing on my mind.

Losing my mom to cancer in October has created a significant life shift for me. After dealing with the initial shock and grief of her passing, my siblings and I focused our energy on planning a family graveside service and an online celebration of her life. Once those events passed, the dread of dealing with her affairs and belongings became a reality. So, as my neighbors hung lights on their houses and brought trees inside to decorate, I began meeting my sister daily to clean out our mom’s house. The project drained me and required all of the time and energy I would normally focus on preparing for Christmas.  I didn’t realize how depleted I was until the end of that first week when I arrived home and saw the Christmas trees outside our door. My husband had ushered in the holiday cheer I couldn’t seem to find on my own. The sight of the twinkling trees brought comfort and tears of gratitude in the midst of heavy grief. 

Later, as we decorated the tree inside, the contrasting events of the week overwhelmed me, and the tears started flowing again. Soon, I was crying too hard to hang ornaments. Abandoning the tree, I sank onto the couch, laid my head on my husband’s chest and sobbed. It had been tricky balancing my grief, sorting the belongings in my childhood home, and launching into the Christmas season without my mom. In the background, I was also lamenting how COVID-19 would change the holidays by preventing gatherings with other family members and friends.

Grieving is hard and tiring work. And even if you didn’t lose a loved one this year, it’s likely you’re mourning a loss related to 2020’s pandemic and all of the ripple effects it has caused. So, it may not feel like there’s much to celebrate this Christmas. And yet, as much as we love the gatherings, gifts, decorations, and celebrations, they aren’t the heart of the season. They’re just the signposts of it. At the center of the Christmas is Jesus, God in the flesh who came to dwell among us.

This year is going to look different for many of us. For me, it will be my first Christmas Eve and Christmas day without my mom or extended family at the table with us. And it will also be the first time in 27 years that my husband and I don’t travel to see the other side of our family, thanks to COVID-19.  We have a lot to grieve, but we still have hope. It all goes back to that baby born in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago. 

Throughout this month I’ve been reading a daily advent devotional that is keeping me tethered to truth. Each entry includes Scriptures from the Old and New Testaments that highlight specific aspects of Jesus. The book focuses on the prophecies Christ fulfilled and the blessings we receive because of Him. It’s reminding me there’s still hope and joy for us, even in 2020. So, whether you’re enjoying all the trappings of the season or hurting deeply this Christmas, Jesus’ birth deserves celebrating. Here are a few truths that have especially encouraged me recently:

-Jesus brings light into our world that no darkness can overcome (not even a pandemic or a loss you’re experiencing): “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:4-5)

-Jesus came to seek those who have no purpose or direction: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10)

-Jesus became a man and died for us, so we can be cleansed from sin and have access to God Almighty: “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

-Jesus came to defeat the devil: “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” (1 John 3:8b)

-Jesus came to bring us victory over death: “For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” (1 Corinthians 15:21-26)

-Jesus came to show us perfect love: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16-17, NIV)

-Jesus assures us future glory despite our present suffering: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us… What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:18 & 31-32)

-Jesus gives us peace unlike any peace the world offers. Because of Him, we have nothing to fear: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)

This year some of the jollier Christmas songs aren’t resonating with me very well. But when I heard “Behold Him” by Francesca Battistelli, I discovered one that captures my feelings perfectly. I hope it encourages you today too.

*The devotional I’ve been reading is Advent 2020 Jesus Christ is Born created by shereadstruth.com.

*All Scriptures quoted from the New International Version.

Christmas Can’t Be Stolen

The high-pitched sound was impossible to ignore. Perplexed, I picked up my phone to silence it and saw an alert flashing on my screen. My heart sank reading the news–our county was being required to shelter in place to slow the spread of COVID-19. It’s feeling like March 2020 all over again, but this time we’re in the Christmas season. The virus continues to make us hold our plans loosely and to find new ways to connect with others and do our jobs. As the list of restrictions and limitations grows longer, it’s starting to feel like we could re-name Dr. Seuss’ classic book How the Pandemic Stole Christmas. The situation feels frustrating and out of our control. However, we still have a choice in how we respond.

That’s what came to mind as I read Kelly Minter’s commentary on the story of Joseph. The false accusations that landed him in prison probably left him feeling frustrated and out of control too. But in Genesis 41, we read about a stunning reversal as Joseph is set free from prison and placed second in command over all of Egypt. Thanks to his interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams and his wise stewardship during seven years of plenty, the Egyptians remain well-fed and prosperous as famine ravages the land. 

In Genesis 42 we see the famine also affects surrounding nations when Joseph’s brothers arrive from Canaan in hopes of buying grain. They appear before Joseph to make their request and he recognizes them immediately. The brothers, however, have no idea it’s him. In describing Joseph’s initial encounter with his brothers, Kelly Minter observes: “Even though [the brothers] had been living in the promised land of Canaan, their hearts don’t appear to have softened much, despite them having access to the God of their fathers. On the other hand, though Joseph had been living outside the land, he’d been dwelling in the presence of God.” (p. 84) Kelly emphasizes here that what matters most is how we respond to our circumstances and engage with God through them.

She continues, “You may be waiting for a difficult circumstance to change, but with Jesus in that place with you, the greater miracle is that you can be changed…Our physical location doesn’t determine our redemption story; He is our redemption story. So although some circumstances remain unchanging, our God remains too. The gift of Himself is the fulfillment of the promise. As we dwell in His presence, we experience life change whether we’re in Egypt [where we don’t want to be] or Canaan [where we do want to be.] Forgiveness, hope, redemption, and reconciliation can and will occur because He is with us. Circumstances do not achieve this. He does.” (p. 84-85)

So, what does this have to do with sheltering in place in 2020? Everything. So much of what we value and rely on has been stripped away from us. Favorite traditions and gatherings with friends and family probably won’t happen this year. Many people are isolated, depressed, anxious, and struggling financially. But here’s one thing that no shelter in place order can take away: God’s presence. This is at the heart of the Christmas season, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means ‘God with us’).” (Matthew 1:23, italics added.)

If you’re struggling to feel God’s presence during this seemingly unending season of difficulty, let the Lord’s words be an invitation to you this Christmas: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13, NIV) Use the extra time at home to cultivate a deeper relationship with the Lord. In the absence of the usual stress and bustle of the Christmas season, embrace the opportunity to focus on the real meaning of all our celebrating.

The Grinch failed to steal joy from the residents of Whoville; COVID can’t steal it from us this Christmas either. Yes, it’s going to look a bit different this year. But what matters most remains as true today as it did in Bethlehem long ago: God became flesh and dwelt among us. He’s with us and that’s a hope we can cling to regardless of our circumstances.

Let Matthew West’s song “The Hope of Christmas” lead you to the heart of this season. 

Kelly Minter, Finding God Faithful: A Study of the Life of Joseph, Lifeway Press 2019.

Artwork courtesy of How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss, Random House, 1957.

Finding Your Blind Spots

Driving down the freeway, I put on my blinker and glanced into the sideview mirror before changing lanes. To my surprise the steering wheel began vibrating as a small warning signal illuminated on the mirror. Looking over my shoulder, I noticed a truck speeding up beside me. The cameras on my car had alerted me to the potential collision before I even realized what was happening.

Unfortunately, it’s not just on the road that our view may be obstructed. We can also have significant blind spots when looking at others. However, Christine Caine explains: “If we are to reach our world, then we need to see that everyone is our neighbor. Every person is worthy of love regardless of their beliefs, actions, or attitudes, because God sees them as lovable and redeemable by His grace. They are all people made in His image.” (20/20, p. 101)

There’s no denying that our nation is more divided than ever right now. People seem prone to drawing lines, taking sides, and allowing events and issues to become polarizing and contentious. Those with opposing views make little effort to seek common ground. Extremism, bitterness, hatred, and anger are running rampant in our country—and the effects may be more harmful and lasting than the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of us feel helpless and hopeless trying to navigate this tense season.

However, we’re showing a major blind spot when we dwell on negative feelings towards people with opposing views. Instead of seeking God, we’re letting our emotions take the lead. Here’s a question to consider: How often do we include those we dislike and disagree with in our prayers? Let’s look at Jesus’ teaching on this challenging topic:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:43-48, NIV)

Recently I came across a powerful example of this in one of my favorite books: The Hiding Place. Author Corrie Ten Boom tells the story of her family as they risked their lives to help Jews and underground workers escape from the Nazis in Holland during World War II. One night, Corrie and her sister, Betsie, are awakened by the sound of bombs dropping on their city. Corrie writes, “Betsie and I knelt down by the piano bench. For what seemed hours we prayed for our country, for the dead and injured tonight, for the Queen. And then, incredibly, Betsie began to pray for the Germans, up there in the planes, caught in the fist of the giant evil loose in Germany. I looked at my sister kneeling beside me in the light of burning Holland. ‘Oh Lord,’ I whispered, ‘listen to Betsie, not me, because I cannot pray for those men at all.” (p. 79) Corrie recognizes her own significant blind spot as she witnesses her sister’s zeal to pray for their enemies.

Scripture includes a similar story of the first Christian martyr, Stephen. After giving an impassioned speech proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah, the crowd of indignant Jews reacted to him with murderous rage: “While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’  Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he fell asleep.” (Acts 7:59-60, NIV)

With his dying breath, Stephen prayed for his executioners. During his stoning ”witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.” (Acts 7:58b, NIV) In a stunning turn of events, just a few chapters later in Acts 9, Jesus appeared in a vision and Saul accepted Him as the Messiah. Following his shocking conversion “[Saul] got up and was baptized [and] at once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, ‘Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?’ Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.” (Excerpts from Acts 9:18-22, NIV.) Remember, it was Stephen who prayed for his murderers, which included Saul. Isn’t it amazing to see this miraculous answer occur in such a brief time span?

Stephen’s prayers for his attackers inspire me, as do Betsie Ten Boom’s. They also challenge me to consider my blind spots in prayer. News headlines that make me anxious, leaders that cause my blood to boil, groups with harsh and hateful messages that stir up fear in me—these are all people God loves who need prayer. 

Will you consider your own blind spots? Whether it’s someone you know personally or only through the media, will you let the Holy Spirit prompt you to pray for them? Remember, people with opposing views aren’t our true enemies, the devil is. Don’t be deceived into withholding love and prayer from those who need it.

Not sure how to intercede for them? Consider starting with this prayer written by Paul (the same man who had previously been called Saul): “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9-11, NIV)

Let Josh Wilson’s song “Revolutionary” motivate you to find your blind spots today.

Christine Caine, 20/20 Seen. Chosen. Sent., Lifeway Press, 2019.

Corrie Ten Boom (with Elizabeth and John Sherrill), The Hiding Place, Chosen Books/ Baker Publishing Group, 1971 & 1984.

Stopping the Spiral with Gratitude

We’ve all experienced being victims of circumstance—suffering negative consequences due to factors out of our control. Right now, the most obvious and universal example is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re lamenting all the things we’ve lost or struggling with new routines that we don’t want to accept—like starting school online, wearing masks, and following social distancing guidelines. It’s easy and natural to focus on the negative and slip into a victim mentality, bemoaning all the activities we can’t do the way we want. 

Although we justify feeling sorry for ourselves, we may be unintentionally signaling the enemy to lure us into a victim mentality.  Addressing this line of thinking, Jennie Allen explains, “I know. It’s not comfortable to talk about. Especially since there is so much injustice in the world, and there are real victims who experience real suffering…[but] I’m talking more here about spending so much time licking our wounds that we don’t allow them to heal.” (p. 90 & 91)

Nuggets of truth like this keep popping up in Allen’s Get Out of Your Head: A Study in Philippians. The book identifies the primary enemies of our minds and the weapons God gives us to fight them. It’s been powerful using tools she identifies to stop my downward spirals and toxic thoughts.  (Check out my last five posts from this series if you haven’t read them yet.) The enemy of our minds we’ll explore today is victimhood. 

Jennie Allen explains the weapon to fight this kind of thinking: “We can choose gratefulness over victim mentality, because we are not victims of our circumstances; we are survivors, and held by God…We can center our thoughts on the certainty that, no matter what has happened to us, no matter what comes, we are upheld securely by God’s righteous right hand. And that will shift our minds toward gratitude.” (p. 91)

Paul wrote in Philippians: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (4:6, NIV) Usually we focus on the end of the verse that encourages us to offer our requests to God. We tend to skip over the first part that tells us to do this, “with thanksgiving.” Maybe it’s a good idea to thank the Lord for what He’s already done before we ask for something new.

Expressing gratitude to God changes our perspective. It reassures us of His faithfulness to us in the past, helping us to offer new requests with confidence. Thankfulness enables us to trust God is working for our good, even in difficult circumstances. It also reminds us of His unchanging character and directs us to notice His activity around us all the time, bringing unexpected joy. 

Thankfulness doesn’t gloss over hard circumstances, but it does help us to see them in a new light. For me, the past several weeks have abounded with opportunities to experience this. On a Friday evening recently, I sat huddled over a cell phone as a doctor delivered the unwelcome news that my mom has terminal cancer. Just two days later, I stood in the early morning light waving goodbye as my husband and older son began the long drive to Texas. Tears flowed uncontrollably for the next few hours as I began to inventory the losses in my life. I’ve been preparing for both my boys to leave for college and adjusting to having an empty nest for the first time. What I hadn’t anticipated was that their departures would coincide with the final chapter of my mom’s life. My personal world is changing in so many big ways right now that it’s hard to process.

Pausing to feel the weight of my emotions was healthy and good, but it could have easily led me into self-pity and feeling like a victim of circumstances. This overwhelming season has prompted me to lean into God for strength and to find encouragement in His Word. Mingled with the sadness are moments of deep gratitude for the ways I see the Lord working. Thankfulness has been an incredible tool to fight against the self-pity that threatens to consume me.

I’ll share just two of the many blessings that continue to fill me with gratitude lately. First is the knowledge that although my mom’s body is shutting down, her spirit is getting ready to soar. My mom knows and loves Jesus and accepted Him as her Savior many years ago. She’s getting ready to meet Him face to face and claiming the truth of one of her favorite passages in Scripture: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, NIV)

In addition to this huge blessing, I’m also grateful for friends who have come alongside me during this sad and stressful time. God seems to prompt different people daily to reach out to me and remind me of His loving presence and care. I’ve experienced profound comfort and tangible support from a number of individuals. I am grateful to God for the blessing of Christian community and the gift of authentic, kind friends who love me well. I understand and identify with Paul’s words to the Philippians: “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:3-6, NIV)

If you’re in a hard season or struggling with COVID-related issues, you may be prone to sliding into self-pity or a victim mentality. Instead, stop and ask God to reveal Himself to you. Pray that He’ll show you one thing that can spark gratitude in you to stop your thoughts from spiraling downward. And if you want to discover hope in the Bible while experiencing Christian community, make time to join a group this fall. Invite someone else who could use encouragement too. Check out this link for a variety of online and in-person options available through CPC Danville.

Listen to “Yes I Will” by Vertical Worship and make it your prayer right now. Let it remind you to fight toxic thoughts by giving God praise.

Jennie Allen, Get Out of Your Head: A Study in Philippians, Thomas Nelson Press, 2020.