When I was in high school I remember a specific instance during one of my classroom settings that recently came back to mind. A friend of mine, a ‘hard-head’ (I know hard-heads because I am one, LOL), was having an argument with one of our teachers. Truth be told, the teacher was right and he was wrong but in this instance he was so frustrated he wasn’t going to hear any truth in what she had to say. His mind was set and, even knowing he was wrong, he was going to stick to his guns. I specifically remember hearing her say, “Honey, you need to fix your ‘stinkin’ thinkin.’” We all know, that statement had nothing to do with odor and everything to do with his negative mindset.
If we’re being honest we will admit we’ve all been there. Things around us will take a turn for the worse and it consumes our thoughts. We get a bad report and we launch into “what if…..” We run out of money before we run out of bills to pay and the freak-out ensues. If this doesn’t apply to you now it will in the future. Hear me today when I say, “Fix your stinkin’ thinkin’!!!!!” The word of God reminds us in Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you.” This scripture doesn’t tell us that everything in our lives will turn out perfectly. There is no assurance that you will never have to deal with hardships. BUT is DOES remind us that even in the worst storm we may ever face we MUST choose to set our focus, trust, and thoughts on Him (I’m noticing a trend with my blogs lately).
We’re not promised the perfect life but we are promised His peace in the midst of the storm. Might I add it’s a, “peace that passes all understanding.” If you’ve ever experienced it, you know what I’m talking about. It can’t be explained, only experienced. Luke 12:25-31 reminds us, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.”
Take a deep breath today, my friend(s). Allow Him to help you change your thinking (trust me when I say you won’t be able to do this on your own–I speak from experience) and bring you peace. In the midst of that peaceful moment you just may begin to realize that He really is working out all things for your good. It’s just like the old hymn says, “Oh, what peace we often forfeit, oh, what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!” Break out the tools and lets fix that ‘stinkin thinkin’!!!!