A recent diagnosis of Lyme Disease put me in a quickly descending tailspin of toxic thoughts. Will there be long term side effects or permanent damage? Will I recover 100%? Is this going to impede the upcoming vacations that I’m eagerly waiting for? What if, what if, what if….
HOLDING TIGHTLY TO THE NASTY
I find myself holding onto something, either positive or negative thoughts, but not at the same time. And if you are like me that slippery slope into negativity can happen quickly. Have you ever noticed that our spiritual hands are never empty? Holding on tightly to the nasty stuff like bitterness, offenses, anger, unforgiveness, fear, etc. can quickly become a huge burden.
SORT OUT THE JUNK
So, what’s the fix? Becoming doers of God’s word. In 2 Corinthians 10:5, Paul states, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” This simple solution is harder to execute. Fortunately, the Bible also tells us that Jesus will never leave us or forsake us. Jesus offers to help us sort out the junk.
A beloved Bible story brings this principle to life. Matthew 14:22-33 tells of Jesus calling Peter out into the water. The familiar story begins with Jesus walking on the water toward the disciples in their boat. The disciples are terrified, until hearing their master’s voice; “Take Courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” His comforting words calm their fears.
PETER LETS GO
But, for Peter, the master’s words embolden him to try something new. “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus calls him, and for a moment Peter lets go of all the trepidations that his natural mind screams at him and embraces the supernatural by focusing on the peace that only Jesus can provide
Though the experience is short-lived, Peter miraculously walks on water! While he remained focused on Jesus, he was free to defy nature with a miraculous new experience. But, as soon as fear crept in, he began to sink until he cried out to the Savior of the World; “Lord, save me!” Immediately, Jesus catches him.
So, we have the contrast of the positive versus the negative. When Peter focuses on Christ, he is free to walk on the water. When the negative thoughts enter his mind, he sinks faster than a bag of lead. If Peter had released the negative thoughts, how much further could he have walked on top of the water?
THE CHOICE
What about us; are we willing to release fear and negativity when Jesus calls? Probably you do not have the diagnosis of Lyme disease, but you have other challenges in your life. Let go of the nasty stuff like bitterness, offenses, anger, unforgiveness, fear, etc. What amazing experiences are waiting for us once we release the negativity and hold tightly to the supernatural peace of Christ. Hold on to the Light.