A good indicator that you might fall into a pessimistic mindset is that you find yourself repeating, “Why does this always happen to me.” or “Man, I just cannot catch a break.”
Don’t worry; you are not the only one who feels this way… I’m guilty of it too!
But the reality is we are not victims. On the contrary, God has made us victors!
I love Psalms 23:6, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.”
Right before this verse, David says, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
Although David felt like he was going through a valley, he proclaimed God’s goodness. And so should you!
I heard this question once, “Can you proclaim God’s goodness while going through tough times?”
David knew that situations do not change God’s character. God’s goodness is unchanging.
Situations come and go, but God remains the same.
David didn’t feel like a victim when things went wrong. Instead, he knew he was a victor because he knew God was faithful.
When times of difficulty come, and it’s hard to see past, remind yourself of God’s goodness and character.
If you feel like you’ve always been the victim and never see good in your life, it’s time to hold onto God’s promises. Leave the old behind and walk in the light of your victory. When you release the label of victim and lean into God’s character, you can find peace and hope in any situation.
God wants to show you the life you can now live because of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
It’s time to dive into God’s word and read about His faithfulness. The Bible is not just history to read and marvel at; it’s a reminder of what God can do for you in this present time and wants to do for you.
Earl Glisson said, “Being a citizen of the kingdom of God does not mean we will be able to avoid battles with the enemy; it just means that we always win.”
You’re not a victim but a victor!
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” -John 10:10
James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
I want to focus on resisting. I don’t know about you, but when I read this verse, I read it like this. “Flee from the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Yes, I know, the “fleeing” is not “resisting!” My brain skipped right over the most important word!
To resist is a military word that means “take a firm stand against.” or “To strongly resist an opponent.”
If the devil pushes you, push back.
If the devil tries to steal your ground, stand firm.
If the devil tries to move you, refuse to be moved.
Don’t let him steal your territory!
The question is, are you prepared?
The military is constantly preparing, training, and watching their ground. They are ready for war, so they are not caught off guard when it comes. They are continually learning and creating strategies to win.
In the bible, you see the word “Watchman” a lot in the Old Testament.
A watchman was someone who stood outside the campgrounds constantly on the lookout for enemies. They were to warn the people to get ready if they saw anything.
Are you keeping watch?
Are you prepared?
Are you ready for the fight?
Ephesians 6: 11 says, “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” You must wear the whole armor of God to be prepared at all times!
Put on ALL the armor of God. If you are missing a piece, you put yourself at risk and lack protection from your opponent. It’s like running outside fully clothed but barefoot. You are risking the chance of stepping on something and hurting your foot!
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you can resist the enemy in times of evil.
Ephesians 6:14-17 says, “Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
This verse makes it clear to fight back with the Word of God. How do you do that? By confessing what the Word says, the truth over that situation.
“In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.” -Ephesians 6:18
Don’t neglact prayer. Prayer is nesscary for fighting this war. Your prayer causes things to change.
It’s time to fight back.
It’s time to quit allowing things to push you over.
The school year is in full swing, and while we should be excited about all the new things our children will learn, many families live in fear. School shootings, tighter wallets, illness, and other challenges have parents worried every time they drop off their babies.
Today and every day of this school year, I encourage you to lean into God’s promises!
1. God Has Answers: Don’t try to parent alone. God is the perfect Father, which means He has all the wisdom you need for parenting in every season of your kid’s life, including school. James 1:5
2. God Listens & Comes Through: Your prayers are powerful! You have the authority to speak over your family’s life regarding their safety and well-being! James 5:16
3. Words of Life Change Hearts: Speak encouraging words to and over your children. Word of life can sustain, encourage, and remind children of their worth during the highs and lows of the school year. Proverbs 18:21
4. Correct From Love: A parent must love, guide, and correct children. Our reactions to mistakes play a significant role in parenting. Take the time to understand why your kid made that choice. Then guide and coach them back in the right direction. Remember the ways our Father helped us after making an unwise decision. Proverbs 3:20
God promises to always be with us and never forsake us. That includes your children/grandchildren.
Years ago, I heard someone say that peace of mind is the most important gift they could give anyone.
Freedom from anxiety, stress, and confusion is a great asset in anyone’s life. Yet, I believe Jesus takes it one step further. Not only is He the author of peace in our minds, but He is the author of peaceful attitudes.
Philippians 2:5 NLT says, “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”
What was His attitude?
Humility: Jesus opted for an attitude of humility. Strong’s Concordance says humility is an inside-out virtue produced by comparing ourselves to the Lord rather than others. For the believer, humility means living in complete dependence on the Lord, with no reliance on self.
Submission: He embraced a mindset of submission to the Father.
Suffering: Suffering for righteousness’ sake was embraced. His pride and prestige were sacrificed for the will of God.
Thinking like Jesus is about embracing a kingdom attitude. It is a willingness to surrender our plan and desires to the Fathers. It is relinquishing our rights to become nothing.
In a poem by Chuck Swindoll, he says, “We cannot change our past…we cannot change the fact that people act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the string we have, and that is our attitude.”
How can you begin to take the steps of cultivating a Kingdom Attitude?
One of my favorite verses from Jeremiah 29 is not verse 11, “For I know the plans I have for you…” but verse 13, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with your whole heart.”
Verse thirteen has been my pursuit recently, knowing more of God. It’s easy to get caught in the motions and cycles of life. Work, family, and all sorts of stuff can keep us unfocused. We forget that God is calling us to go deeper.
He desires a rich relationship with us – like Father and child or your closest friend.
Job and Moses had this type of relationship with the Lord:
“Oh, for the days when I was in my prime when God’s intimate friendship blessed my house.” – Job.29:4
“The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.” -Exodus 33:11
A close relationship with God was not just for those in the Bible; it is something He wants for you too! So now is the time to grow deeper in our relationship with God.
Don’t be satisfied where you are, but ask yourself, “How deep, how wide, and how long is the love of God?”
Will you join me in my pursuit? Today, will you take time to focus on yourself and God despite the things going on around you? Will you make that alone time?
Remember, Psalms 25:14 says, “The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.”
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