On my recent commute to work, I noticed I was reminiscing on the past.
“Why couldn’t the outcome have been “X” instead of “Y”, I thought to myself.
Then I realized that I was taking up space in my mind AND robbing myself of basking to the fullest on the blessings I now have in my life. In addition, I was indirectly criticizing God and undermining His sovereignty. By dwelling on the past and being dissatisfied with the outcome, I was saying to the Lord, “You have no idea what YOU’RE doing. The best outcome would have been “Y” verses “X”. Ouch. Lastly, I was being disobedient to what He tells us in His Word to meditate & focus on (Philippians 4:8).
In order to break free from the negative dwelling I had to purposefully snap myself out of it by verbally acknowledging & thanking the Lord for my blessings.
Out loud I said, “Thank you Lord for my job that I am driving to. Thank you that I have a car that gets me from point A to point B. Thank you that I am able-bodied and that I have a sound mind. Thank you that I have food for lunch and dinner today.” I did this for five to 10 minutes. I thanked Him for everything from the little things to the larger things. Afterwards, I was re-focused on the present, praising the Lord for the blessings I do have, and in a better mood.
Scripture:
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy– think of about these things. Philippians 4:8
Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises. Psalm 22:3
Life Application:
Do you dwell on negative outcomes, worry excessively or reminisce on the past? Or are you filling up the moments in your life with praise and thanksgiving? It is impossible to praise or thank God too much. He inhabits the praises of His people. When we thank Him for our blessings that He has provided, we are affirming that He is God, from whom all blessings flow.
RED LIGHT EXERCISE: Next time you are driving or a passenger in a moving vehicle and come to a RED light, use that time to praise and thank the Lord for the blessings in your life. After the light turns GREEN, then continue with your regular thoughts. If you come to other RED light, then resume/continue praising and thanking the Lord.
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Tags: Blessing, Christianity, Devotional, Encouragement, God, Gratitude, Israel, Jesus, Lord, Negative thoughts, Philippians 4:8, Psalm 22:3, Red light exercise, Reflection, Religion and Spirituality, Worrying
