Chosen Grace

Happy September Everyone! We made it this far into 2021. Rejoice in that. Now- onto the blog post

It’s getting later in the year and autumn is just about to set in. I personally love this time of year because many things start to change: the weather gets cooler and the leaves start to become beautiful shades of red, yellow, and orange.

And just as the seasons change- sometimes in life it we need to change things. Maybe you feel you could loose weight. Or maybe you want to redecorate your home? Whatever it is, most of us want to change something about ourselves. But- one thing we can all do is change our thinking. I say this because I recently realized that some of my thoughts weren’t where they needed to be.

A few weeks ago I experienced real self doubt. These doubts were heavy, too. And I carried them around for a while. I experienced thoughts like:

“I don’t know if I can do this.”

“What if I’m not good enough.”

“Who am I, anyway?”

These feelings left me sad and anxious and I didn’t know how to handle them. But as I consoled God on how I was feeling- he led me to two specific verses:

“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, NIV

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, 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. NIV

The verses above were written by the Apostle Paul. As a prolific writer- he had a lot to say. But the one thing he never deviated from was this truth: set your mind on Godly things.

You see, as believers- it is important for us to stay connected to the things God has called us too. And this can reflect in our thought life. While we can’t control every thought we have- we can take it upon ourselves to choose positivity. That’s why Paul tells us to not be conformed to the world. You see, the world will have you thinking that you are crazy if you don’t obsess over every little thing.

But God’s word tells us not to worry or think about negative things. But to keep all things noble, worthy, and lovely constantly on our minds.

Now, if you’re anything like me- this can be a real challenge. Hardships will come and sometimes you can fall into a pit of despair. Maybe it’s a financial situation that just doesn’t look good. Or maybe it’s issues between family members that have you stressed out.

And when you’re stressed- unhappy thoughts naturally start to manifest. And these thoughts are nothing but a trick of the enemy. Satan is always looking for a way in and sometimes he’ll plant seeds of doubt, worry, and stress in our minds.

And if we allow Satan room to play- he’ll do just that. He will pervert a place that is meant for good.

Now- that sounds pretty scary, doesn’t it? But I encourage you to not be scared. You see- for every trick Satan pulls out of his bag- God has an even bigger bag of blessings for His children. And one of those blessings can be found in this verse:

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast,  because they trust in you.” – Isaiah 26:3, NIV

The Prophet Isaiah spoke these words over two thousand years ago- and they still reign true today.

You see, God has promised us perfect peace- if we set our minds on Him. How awesome is that?

By keeping your mind on Him- God will order your steps. For He is your foundation. And as long as you’re focused on Him- nothing can shake or break you. Trust that.

As this post comes to a close, I want to encourage you all to not let your thoughts become your demise. They are only thoughts- don’t let them settle where they do not belong.

Remember that what God said about you is true. He told you in Psalm 139 that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Believe that. Stand on that.

You have purpose here. You are loved.

With love and a new thoughts,

Malaysia