Have you ever played the “What If” game? You know, toyed with thoughts in your mind until you’ve lost it? (What if I lose my job? What if they don’t like me? What if I get sick? What if the economy crashes? What if…fill in the blank.)
Recently I found myself playing this game. I hadn’t planned it. I was doing my morning routine, minding my own business, when I realized I was all into the what-if game! It’s easy to do these days. The world is changing quickly. I mean, the whole world. Countries, states, and cities are all dealing with a pandemic! In these moments I just have to quit the game and tell my mind that I’m not having fun and say, No! No more!
2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
In fact, the whole verse talks of “demolishing any argument and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God.”
On this particular morning, I knew I needed my Jesus time! A few minutes to reset, be refreshed and sit with Jesus. Because he encourages me. He speaks truth into my spirit. He tells me the very things that bring me peace.
The heavens and the earth, the world and everything in it, is in his hands, according to the Psalmist in Psalms 89 verse 11.
God knows me! Psalms. 139
He has never failed me. Psalms 136
God is for me not against me. Romans 8:31
He loves me! John 15:9
Christ died for me. Ephesians 2:4-5
His love knows no end. 1 Corinthians 13:7
His love never fails me. 1 Corinthians 13:13
And then after reading Scripture verses like this, I play the “remember” game. I remember when God was with me and my family in the death of a loved one. When God provided a need in an unexpected way. When he gave me my job. When he opened a door.
As I remember his mercies that are new every morning, my faith rises. My heart settles. My mind slows down. I recently heard that we can physically change our brains when we defeat the lies and hold onto God’s truth. I resolve to do just that — take these racing thoughts, these what-if moments, and demolish them at the core. Peace comes from the Lord himself. When we allow him access to our minds and our thoughts; when we invite him in to our moments, we are transformed. Changed from the inside out. Growing from glory to glory.
Try it the next time you find yourself in the what-if game. Invite the Lord into those moments. Keep your eyes on the author and perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:1-3).
Reflection Questions
- Are you wrestling with thoughts that can consume you? Do you lay awake at night, rehashing your worries? Ask God to give you a Bible verse to hang on to during this time. Write it on a post it, place it on your bathroom mirror to remind you that God has it in His hands.
- Do you remember a time when God answered your prayers? Write down as many times as you can! You will soon find yourself back in a peaceful place. If you need a little help, try praying this prayer out loud.
Come, Lord Jesus. Have your way in my heart and mind today. Help me remember all the times that you have been good to me, to the generations before me. God, you have always been good. Thank you for your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Cindy and her husband Mike live in Blaine. She enjoys spending time with family, camping, writing, studying God’s Word, being creative and her job as a high school data management secretary. She has a passion to see women grow in their faith and encourage each other.