As part of the mentoring and creative challenge I am participating in I was asked this week to “identify a thought or belief that doesn’t align with what God says about Himself or me. Then create a piece of art that reflects the truth instead.”
Now I’m not asking everyone to suddenly be creative, unless of course you are or would like to try. But the challenge is a good one nonetheless, because far to often we can hold beliefs and thoughts that are actually quite contrary to the truth. Instead they are simply a result of our own negative self talk, other people’s issues, words or our past experiences. If we don’t identify, challenge and replace these beliefs and mindsets with what God says we will inevitably end up building them into the foundation of who we are, what we believe and how we live. Beliefs like,” I’m not good enough, everyone else can do it better. Or I’m a mess, my family is just like that, or I’m always going to feel and be like this. Thoughts of, “I’m sickly, poor, I can’t, my past is too bad or I’m not smart enough, good enough or attractive enough to ever do that or be that person. “
However none of these negative or limiting beliefs and thoughts are God’s best for us or even true when stacked up against God’s words. As Bill Johnson says, “We have no business saying or thinking anything that God doesn’t say about us. In actual fact we can’t afford to have a thought in our heads that God doesn’t have in His.” We can’t afford to entertain these contrary beliefs and thoughts because if we do we risk never walking in our full destiny or achieving the dreams in our heart.
Dr. Caroline Leaf says, “When you think, you build thoughts, and these become physical substances in your brain.” Essentially meaning we can change. We can actually be transformed and be made whole and healthy if we determine to consistently check in on what we are actually thinking and believing about ourselves and what we hold to be true.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
Today I really encourage you to check on and identify any belief, mindset or thought that does not align and agree with what God says. If you’re not sure what they are I recommend just listening for a day or two to the words of your mouth, because they will always give away what’s really in your heart and what you truly believe, (which can at times be confronting).
You were created in the image of God, full of love, grace and power. What might happen if you started believing this and removed anything in your life that contradicted that truth?
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT)
“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.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)
“Whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)
Prayer: Lord please help me to identify anything in my life that does not agree with what you say about me and who you are. I want to build rock solid foundations in my life so that I can continue to stand strong and to run my race well. Please help me to do that today. In Jesus name Amen.
Comments