Living Whole with Chronic Pain

The thing most noticeable in my life right now has been my descent into negativity. 

And I’m realizing that what we focus on … is exactly what we find?  Expecting the worst?  You just might find it.

What a black hole that is!

And once I find myself there it is very hard to dig myself out. 

I guess like most jobs, you just need to find the right tools. 

Thankfully, God is leading me to them. 

I think of the verse in Ephesians about taking off the old man and putting on the new. 

You were taught with reference to your former way of life to lay aside the old man who is being corrupted in accordance with deceitful desires, to be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and to put on the new man who has been created in God’s image – in righteousness and holiness that comes from truth. Ephesians 4 22-24

In this case, it's taking the old thoughts and replacing them with new. 

My "go-to" negative lately?

My situation is impossible. 

There is no way out. 

Repeat that over and over a few hundred times and you begin to see it as truth. 

The real truth?

My situation seems impossible to me. 

There is no way out that I can see. 

But even that smacks of negativity if I am trusting in myself to have the answers. 

So, what am I replacing those thoughts with?

God's word. 

And I am personalizing them. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. 

But I say it to myself more like this. 

Trust me with every part of you, deni. Don't try to make sense of all that is happening. Just look to me in each and every situation.  Let me lead. Let me guide. Trust that I know best. Love, Dad. 

Say that (or your own take on it) to yourself several times during the day and watch how your mood changes. Every time that negative thought creeps in, counter it. Believe the new words. 

I know how rapidly my attitude began to turn around when I started this. 

I became more grateful. 

I starting thanking God more. 

I felt so much closer to my "Dad."

How could I not? The love and compassion He bestows on us through His word is astounding when we truly begin to take it in and believe it. 

Is all my negativity gone? No. Wish it was. But I believe it can and will be as I continue to read and trust in the love letter written to me (and to you!) by our Father.