A Slave to Self-Condemnation

Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice.
Be careful for nothing;
but in everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests
be made known unto God.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true,
whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are of good report,
if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,
think on these things.
Those things, which ye have both learned, and received,
and heard, and seen in me, do:
and the God of peace shall be with you.
Philippians 4:4,6,8,9

My mind whirled. I was found entangled in a controlling fear—fear of man. Accusations and misunderstandings left me a slave to self-condemnation. My thoughts were bound in intense turmoil, unwise analyzing and an overload of sinful feelings. I struggled to feel the Lord’s forgiveness and sense the truth of His love. Convinced that the world of Christians around me only saw and believed false statements—threw me into a depressed sense of of nothingness. Not selflessness in Christ, but nothing, period.

As I pondered this false concept that had been guiding me and listened intently for the Lord’s words, I knew I desired truth to reestablish in my heart. I tend toward an undisciplined mind and heart. With His power I can live above that and know a deep sense of His peace. Notice Paul’s formula:
~ Paul speaks first to us to rejoice. Rejoice; praise His name in the midst of confusion.
~ Paul says, do not be anxious. No fretting, no analyzing and no condemnation.
~ The third thing Paul tells us to do is give thanks. It’s imperative.
~ Next Paul calls us to prayer. When we pray, it compels us to lay our difficulty at His feet, to rest, to trust, to believe; it quiets our hearts.
~ Lastly, we are commanded to exercise self-control with our mind. Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, praiseworthy, we are to think on these things. We are not to dwell on impulsive, negative thoughts that crowd out truth.

As we obey these five steps, we become the recipient of peace. “And the God of peace will be with you.” What quietness and rest. It is the opposite of confusion, false beliefs, fear and self-condemnation!

Prayer: My Father God, I bless You for this formula. Please teach me to follow it. Amen.

Ponder: If you’re facing a difficult time, take a minute to rejoice, choose to not be anxious, speak out loud a number of things you can give thanks for, spend a few minutes in prayer. When your mind whirls with confusing thoughts, take control over it, declaring, “I will not think on these things.“ Then begin to sing and enjoy peace.

~Donna Kauffman

For more information about Donna's books contact her at donnakauffman@hotmail.com.