Reframing Our Thoughts

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty. Philippians 4:11-14 NLT

Hello friends,

When I sit down to write to you all, I think of the challenges so many are facing and I know that includes you and/or your family and friends. Yesterday I prayed for the requests lifted up during our church service and there were so many that my bulletin was literally filled. Accidents, death, disease, hopeful recovery, and among those requests were praises too.

Too often we look at circumstances and focus on the facets of that storm rather than our Creator. He teaches us to be content in all circumstances whether plenty or need. (See Philippians 4:11-14)

His Word, His Holy Spirit and His divine design of us allows us to learn to be content, to utilize our self-control to reframe our situation. I noticed this yesterday when a lady I was listening to said her food from a takeout wasn’t very good. She consciously caught herself and reframed the thought with “it’s just fuel for my body”. That instantly reminded me of the chapter in my upcoming book about the very same thing. Whether in our physical bodies or our spiritual nature, reframing our thoughts is valuable: tell your thoughts where to go.

Here’s an excerpt from Chapter 14 of Firm Foundation: Resilience After Trauma

Reframing requires beliefs, assumptions and values to be examined. We must mentally bring our thoughts into alignment with our values. Our minds, feelings and behaviors need to be one.

People ask “why is this happening to me?” Reframe your thoughts and consider this: “This is happening for me.”

Why would this happening for us be of any value? We have experience in this and God can use us to encourage those who are going through this currently.

What good can possibly come from this? Our responses to the situation can fuel our own faith and the faith of others.

That’s the power of testimony.

Think of your own situation right now. Why wouldn’t God use you? Or me? Isn’t that the purpose for which He created us? To be instruments in His hands? Gosh, surrendering ourselves in that way means making an adjustment today. When we adjust our lives to what He is doing, we notice the greater ways that He is at work. He is revealing Himself and that gives us fuel for our faith to carry on. Fuel to embrace the uncertainties and to allow others to see our pain and our victory. In both of those things, pain and victory, Christ meets us. He also meets those we are encouraging too!

Let’s be intentional about reframing our thoughts to bring them in alignment with Christ and His Word. I love hearing the ways you are witnessing this. Keep sharing Him my friends.