“And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying.” ~ Mark 5:40
REFERENCE:
I chose this scripture to show another way to declare war on worry. As we journey through life and handle daily routines, many things clamor for our attention, and our minds get crowded with anxious and distressing thoughts. It is challenging to be productive or function at total capacity amidst such a barrage of thoughts; you need to learn to put them out of your head.
Jesus was called to Jairus’ house to heal his daughter; while another woman held up Jesus, they brought a report that Jairus’ daughter had died. Now, imagine what went on in Jairus’ mind – the thought of his dead daughter, the memories they shared; he would soon be planning the burial of a child, how would he comfort his wife, what would he tell his other children, etc. Thoughts filled his mind; the objective was that they would sabotage his miracle.
Note what Jesus did: when they brought terrible news to Jairus, He told him, “Do not be afraid, only believe.” That is, don’t let fearful thoughts fill your mind, don’t accept that news, and don’t dwell on it; it will sabotage your miracle. Also, when He got to Jairus’ house, he saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly. He responded, the girl only sleeps. Then He put out all the mourners and nay-sayers and shut the door behind him and the girl’s parents.
Worry barrages our minds like these mourners; it proffers no solution to our issues but tells us how bad things are and pushes us to deplore our situation and cry. However, to think clearly or receive a miracle, you must learn to put worry out and shut your door. Please don’t give it your attention, it will give your life direction. You must guard your mind and keep the door locked.
Shut the door of your heart/mind to information that agitates you. Watch the books you read, movies you watch, internet sites you visit, your social media engagement, and your friends. To declare war on worry, you must put whatever breaks your focus off God out of your life and meditate only on things that are useful, edifying, faith-building, and pleasing to God.
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL TEXTS:
Philippians 4:8, II Corinthians 10:3-5, and Isaiah 26:3
PRAYER:
+ Lord, I refuse the voices that crowd out the voice of God in my life. I expunge anxiety and thoughts that paint pictures of impossibility in my mind.
+ Help me to stay my mind on You, O Lord. I receive the discipline to focus my mind on productive, peace-bringing, fruitful, and edifying things, in Jesus’ name.
I receive grace to be disciplined in my thoughts , in Jesus name . 🙏🏽