Transforming Your Thinking

(While cleaning out a drawer, I came across some notes that I wrote a few years ago. Many of the words were crossed out and rewritten, but I will try to decipher the scribbling and express what I was trying to convey at the time.)

I am so grateful that 25 years ago, I was attending a church where my identity in Christ was taught with clarity. It set me free from a lifetime of a performance mentality and I have clung to this truth through many challenges since then. Until recently, I sincerely thought that I comprehended the fact that my true worth is found in Christ alone.

Many times we look to our own achievements for self-worth. When our children make wise decisions, we feel like we must be a successful parent. If we get a promotion at work, we know that we're doing a good  job and it boosts our self-esteem. When someone pays us a compliment, we might bask in the glow of our appearance or accomplishments. Many things can bring us a fleeting sense of self-worth, but our identity in Christ is the only foundation that won't crumble with adversity. One of my former pastors, John Glenn, used to say that we all think, "I will be worthy IF ______ (you fill in the blank), but the truth is that we ARE worthy because of the finished work of Christ."

Recently, something at the core of my being was called into question. Not just an accomplishment, but something that I believed defined who I am. And there's the rub. If I truly believe that my identity in Christ is where I find my security, then how can anything else take precedence over that? My insecurities were in a tailspin as I grappled with my true identity.

The only place to go when doubts plague your mind is to God's Word. Jesus Himself said, "The truth will set you free." (John 8:32) If we saturate our minds with scripture, it will help us put things into perspective, knowing that, "The Word of our God stands forever." (Isaiah 40:8) Lord, help me "treasure Your Word in my heart, that I may not sin against You." (Psalm 119:11)

I love the candidness of the Psalmist when he laments, "How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart everyday?" But a few verses after his expression of hopelessness, he reminds us that in spite of our circumstances, we can trust in God's unfailing love. "I will rejoice because You have rescued me, I will sing to the Lord because He is good to me." (Psalm 13:2 and 5-6)

Zig Ziglar said that "repetition is the mother of  learning." I must intentionally and continually remind myself that I need to "fix my eyes on Him, the author and perfector of faith." (Hebrews 12:2) I am grateful to God for His promise to "transform me into a new person by changing the way I think." (Romans 12:2) No matter what you're going through, I pray that God will transform your thinking and remind you of the freedom that comes when we remember who we are in Christ. 

God's Truths Are Timeless

(Preface: I wrote this blog on September 27, 2024. This was the day that Hurricane Helene hit our area and caused massive flooding. Many lives were lost and entire towns were swept away. I wrote this before the devastation, but for me, that exemplifies the fact that God's Truths are timeless.)

I don't think that anything challenges our faith as much as serious trials. It might be health issues, financial difficulties, broken relationships, or even the devastating loss of a loved one...you fill in the blank. For me, adversity sends me into a tailspin of self-doubt and this is where my crisis of faith comes in. I can get so focused on my problems that I forget Who is in control. That is why we have to be intentional about focusing on the Truth of God's Word no matter what our circumstances look like.

Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Be anxious for nothing, 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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." What more could we ask for? God promises to give us His peace in the midst of our troubles. When life's challenges seem overwhelming, "Tell God!" (NLT vs. 7) We can confide in the God of the Universe!  "Because of Christ and our faith in Him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence." (Ephesians 3:12)

This is a much-needed reminder to myself, but I hope that it will encourage your heart as well. Nothing is too big for our God to handle. I appreciate Babbie Mason's lyrics reminding us that, "When you can't trace His hand, Trust His Heart." Because "if God is for us, who can ever be against us?" (Romans 8:31) (Found out a few months after I wrote this that C.H. Spurgeon originally penned, "When you cannot trace His hand, you can always trust His heart.")