July 24, 2022
Greetings and blessings to all of you. In Psalm 16:1 the Word says, “Keep me safe, O God for in you I take refuge”. We all need “a refuge” from a place of danger not only in our flawed world but in our own minds. Negative moods such as discouragement is a powerful destructive force. We can look at what caused my sadness or frustration and begin blaming or we can focus on our response. While it is a natural response to be angry, sad, despondent in a difficult situation we have the spiritual power the Holy Spirit power to choose a different response. For example, Jesus chose not to call down angels to deliver Him from His most painful hour before His death. Jesus wanted us to learn that pain and suffering are part and parcel of our planet and Christians are not exempt. Because of the curse (Genesis 3:14-20) that God placed on His world (because of what happened in the garden) everybody will face periods of disappointment and discouragement. Since all human beings experience depressed moods, we must practice to face negative moods head-on with the power that is in us because if we don’t it can open the door to influence our decisions, actions, and relationships causing a domino effect in our lives hurting not only you but everyone else in your circle and beyond. The Word says, “God is our refuge and our strength an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 Let us begin to live as God desires- turning from sin and progressing in holiness. Have His Word fill your mind and shape your thoughts, behavior, and attitude. Then when the “moodies” come you will know and act like you have a personal relationship with Christ. It is all about learning to “wait on the Lord” In waiting on the Lord we will come to Him in honesty about our feelings/moods. We will then engage in conversation with Him, asking questions, then listening for His still small voice. In this process you are conditioning your mind to think God rather than your difficulties. When you dwell on your troubles, they grow large and become dominating. But as you concentrate your thoughts upon God, your difficulties will shrink in size. Emotional wholeness cannot be achieved through denying our moods but rather through being honest about what is going on in our souls… will lead you and I to a deeper more intimate relationship with God.
First Lady Vivian C. Currie
Pastor ALC