I Have the Lord

I was watching a movie a couple days ago.  One of the characters said - "I can't concentrate on the 'what ifs.' I have to look at the 'what do I have.' "  I stopped and thought about that.  I've said similar things in past posts, but I pondered the truth of these words again.

It doesn't matter how many times I've had to choose not to look at the "what ifs."  There are always new situations when I have to make the choice again.  We face new challenges, new hardships, new things that we have no control over......and we can't get stuck in the "what ifs."  We'll drown in the sea of thinking "what if,"  "if only," or "why."

In each situation, stopping to think "what do I have" is a fruitful exercise......because we always have the Lord to help us!!!  It's not only what we may have physically, it's also what we have in knowing God is continually with us, holding our right hand, and guiding us.  I "have" the Lord - that's more than enough.  

So much of the battle in getting through a hard time is in the mind.  What we choose to think about will impact us in so many ways.  As we focus on what we "have" in the Lord, it strengthens us to get through the trial.  We "have" so much!

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."  2 Timothy 1:7

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."  Colossians 3:2

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."  Isaiah 26:3

"Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."  Proverbs 4:23

"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."  Proverbs 17:22

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:6,7

I've been coming to the conclusion that it's a daily exercise to think about "what I have."  If I start each day that way, it lifts the burden from my heart of whatever I'm facing.  I "have" the Lord, and He will help me get through whatever I face.  He's always faithful to do that!