My heart is aligned to love and trust the Lord. I know I'm in His hands, and that He is watching over me. I talk to Him all the time, and feel His closeness.
So it's surprising to me when something happens physically that is concerning - that my first response is to be anxious. I guess it's human nature, but I would love it to be otherwise. I've just had that happen. I had to rein in my thoughts and emotions and bring them to the Lord. He wonderfully restored me to a place of peace.
This fresh experience reminded me of how important it is to control our thoughts. They can so easily run away from us if we're not careful. I find it important to bring them to the Lord continually. Meditating on His goodness and speaking out promises from the Word is a big help. Standing against the lies of the enemy is crucial. We can't be passive.
"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because He trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Philippians 4:8
"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:2
"We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5
"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23:7
Our thoughts are powerful. They shape who were are, even who we will become. They influence our physical well-being. They impact our emotions. The Bible makes it clear how important our thoughts are. That's why we need to continually bring them to the Lord. We need to counteract lies with truth. I'm still learning how to do this!
I received a "gift" this week that has so blessed me. I want to tell you about it because I think it's a gift to all of us who pray for miracles! I had a check-up with my oncologist this week. She told me she is very puzzled. Two years ago when I had the big surgery and spent weeks in the hospital, she had explained to me that there were 2 problems that they couldn't fix. Over time, the expectation was that those problems would cause even bigger problems and complications. The outlook was grim.
When she examined me this week, she found the problems were gone! She couldn't explain it. She said there's no way that could happen. She kept saying she was puzzled, and couldn't figure it out. I told her that "maybe it was an answer to all the prayers people have prayed for me." She said "maybe so, maybe so."
I came home rejoicing! I still have cancer and an un-operable tumor, but this "miracle" gave me renewed courage to pray for more healing miracles. According to my doctor, something like this doesn't just happen. This has been a wonderful, special, encouraging Christmas gift!!!
"He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them." Psalm 145:19
I'm rejoicing this week in Christ's birth - Emmanuel, God with us, coming to earth! My heart is full of worship for this wonderful gift to mankind. In spite of our sin, our rebellion, and our weakness God sent His Son to save us. Thank you Jesus for coming.
"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel (which means, God with us)." Matthew 1:23
I hope you have a wonderful, Merry Christmas! I pray your heart will be full of worship for Emmanuel. May you know afresh that He's with you!!
