How many times have you said this phrase….”I want to, but I just can’t!” Whether it was to a friend who wants to meet for coffee, a meeting that you’ve been asked to attend, to keep to your new daily planner schedule, or to exercise and eat more healthy; or just say “no” to an amazing dessert…like big slab of homemade chocolate cake with chocolate orange filling and chocolate hazelnut icing with chopped hazelnuts on top?
** Okay…that last part…seriously was the best piece of cake I think I’ve had in a very long time…and shouldn’t have again for a VERY LONG TIME!! **
But I digress…..
So, what made me think of this title and idea for today’s blog? It was actually from something I saw in a facebook post by someone on a weight loss journey. They’ve been plagued by failure for years, losing every weight loss battle because she realized that she had the mindset of “I want to eat that, but I can’t have it.” She was constantly in a state of negativity. Then she changed a few words around and now feels like she has a handle on the journey ahead….
“I can have that, I just choose not to.”
What a concept! I tried finding her posting again to give her credit and alas, I could not…but whoever you are ~ thank you!
Instead of looking at the dessert portion on a menu or the table full of sweets at a party, and saying, “I want that dessert but I just can’t…I’m being good.” I can say, “I can have that dessert but I am choosing not to so I can be healthy today.” My attitude goes from a place of negativity to a place of positive thinking. That little shift can make all the difference in how we view ourselves and the world around us.
Honestly, satan wants us to continue coming from a place of negativity so that he can veil our mind and heart away from thinking in a way that is pleasing to the Lord; to keep us from acting in such a way that is honoring to Him and giving God glory.
So how can we live from a place of positivity ~ and not be sucked into what the world calls “positive thinking.”? I think the best way we can do this is learn and know who we are and what we are called to be by the Lord. We are created in His image, so all that He has for us is good. He does not guarantee a perfect life and does not expect us to be perfect, but He does require obedience. There are no tricks we have to resort to in order to follow what the Word says. And when we don’t know what to do, we can call on the Lord at any moment and ask for His help and guidance.
Psalm 118:5-6 HCSB, “I called to the Lord in distress; the Lord answered me and put me in a spacious place. The Lord is for me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”
I read this list in a book* recently and think it is an absolutely fantastic way to remind our self who we are and Who we belong to. I’m going to write it below exactly how it is in the book, but I would love to challenge you to do something after you read through it once. Read it again, out loud, and replace “I” with your name. Personalize it as much as you can to make an imprint on your heart and mind about who you really are! Come on…let’s do this!
I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)
I am being renewed daily. (2 Corinthians 4:16)
I am the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
I am created to be the reflection of His glory. (Ephesians 1:12)
I am exalted to the right hand of God the Father Almighty, a joint heir to the kingdom of God with Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:17)
I am forgiven. (Colossians 1:13-14)
I am a new creature. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
I am led by the spirit of God. (Romans 8:14)
I am strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. (Ephesians 6;10)
I am above only and not beneath. (Deuteronomy 28:13)
I am more than a conqueror. (Romans 8:37)
I am an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony. (Revelations 12:11)
I am able to do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
I am casting all my cares upon Jesus. (1 Peter 5:7)
I am blessed coming in and going out. (Deuteronomy 28:6)
I am an overcomer. (1 John 5:4)
I am blessed. (Ephesians 1:3)
I am called by God. (Romans 8:28)
I am provided for all things by God. (Philippians 4:19)
This is not a bunch of magic words to say and then we’ll feel better. These are promises from God’s Word about who we are. But He wants us to be actively participating in seeking Him. We aren’t meant to sit around waiting for things to happen. If we are truly seeking Him, we will be alert to the subtle ways God tries to get our attention. Sometimes those ways are pretty straightforward, but our Heavenly Father is not about the business of bopping us on the head. Even in trials we can find Him and experience peace.
John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful.”
As you move forward in your day, be filled with peace, positive that God is for you and not against you. That He has good plans for your life. Whatever you choose to do, choose it because you want to glorify Him. Whatever you choose not to do, choose in order to honor the Lord in your actions. Both of these directions will bring you good and will cause you to grow closer to the Lord in your relationship with Him. The more intimately you understand what God wants for you, you will in turn want those same things.
You CAN do just about anything ~ but are you doing what the Lord has asked of you?
You can WANT just about anything ~ but are you wanting what the Lord has for you?
Blessings,
René
*Seymour, Rick. “Chapter 12.” God In Your Goals: Reconciling Your Spiritual Walk with ‘success’ in the World. San Bernadino: Rick Seymour, 2015. 100-01. Print.
Broken & Blessed~Adventures in Gratutide! 