Day 438 of Giving Thanks

“It is all about me!” were my thoughts as I sat quietly listening for God, this morning, and immediately, I said, “change the thought, that can’t be what I just heard”. Yet, it came again as I arrived at work.

“He must become greater; I must become less.” ~John 3:30

Right now, because I am so focused on what my thoughts are, I am often reminded of how powerful words are. I am still amazed by how much I am encouraged by words and how revealing it is to be encouraged… I don’t know about you, but I can still remember words from my childhood, the challenge is that they are usually, not “words of encouragement”, rather they are demeaning, mean or downright destructive words, and most of the time delivered by “well meaning” people – who probably have the same words in their memory, yet right at the surface beating them up. It is the words that we speak to ourselves that form our lives. Lord, sweet words of encouragement to run through my thoughts.

“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” Proverbs 31:26

This is where short term memory comes into play, and taking things one day at a time. Even though the “old” programming was from long ago, and I thought was so deeply embedded is being removed. And, the sweetness of Your words are what renew the mind and spirit.

“Your lips drop sweetness as the honeycomb, my bride; milk and honey are under your tongue. The fragrance of your garments is like the fragrance of Lebanon.” ~Song of Solomon 4:11

I had to learn, and I continue to be trained to reprogram what words I replay in my head – really what is allowed in my head. It is change brought by the power of God’s work in us that transforms our lives. On our own, we can change much in our lives that typically changes right back somewhere down the line. It is through submission and dependence on Him that the reward is experienced.

“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

What is the reward? IT IS PEACE. It is comfort in all circumstances. It is joy even in sorrowful moments. It is hope as the bills pile up. It is light on the darkest of nights. It is living and knowing that you will not die.

Change – the words of the enemy to the promises of God; discourage to encourage; cannot do to already done; impossible to possible; dark to light; all alone to never alone; ignorant and naïve to discerning and wise; sick or ill to vibrant; tired and weary to great power and energy. Words and thoughts that wholly transform are on my mind, and I pray on yours too.

“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

“It is all about me!” Yes it is. He died, because I could not live the life necessary to be with my heavenly Father in eternity, so Jesus died for me. And, in my walk, it is all about me realizing what God has planned for me, what purpose has been perfectly set aside for me to do. It is all about me discovering who He made me to be. And, it’s about you too.

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. ~2 Corinthians 3:18

For me, it is living a life that reflects the magnitude of thankfulness because of all He did and does for me. There are no words or works that can repay or can be a reward for God. But He is pleased when we “get it”, and believe that He has given everything for each of us and for that, there are no words big enough, mighty enough, powerful enough or perfect enough to tell the depth of gratitude I have in my heart.

 

© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta                        

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