Peace Is A Choice

Peace Is A Choice

Just know that when I write something, it is from personal experience - something that has affected me deeply. Also know that after I write something, I am usually tested. I failed - back into the gutter - a slow slide in, not a leap this time. We don't usually look at a gutter full of disgusting thoughts, and say to ourselves, "That looks like fun, I think I will go for a swim!" At several points along the way, I could have taken hold of HIS hand. No. No. No. I refused the grace offered and by bedtime, there I was in the stench of gutter life completely surrounded by my selfish, poor me thoughts. I wonder if that's how Jonah felt when he prayed to the Lord from inside the belly of the great fish: "Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs." (Jonah 2:8)

The good news is that repentance is a love word. I can choose to take hold of HIS hand, agree with HIM that I was wrong, ask for forgiveness and know that once again, the blood of Jesus has washed me clean. I can make amends with those whom I have wronged, and lovingly have the slate wiped clean again.

"How did you get there," you ask? By listening to the deceiver. In my last post, I asked the question, "what niggles at you?" More than one astute person questioned that word.

nig·gle (ngl)intr.v. nig·gled, nig·gling, nig·gles1. To be preoccupied with trifles or petty details. 2. To find fault constantly and trivially; carp. Webster’s gives a third definition - gnaw.

The enemy loves to gnaw at your tender, most vulnerable parts. He knows what buttons to push, and takes every opportune moment to whisper his subtle lies into your mind. Paul reminds us in his letter to the Corinthians to "take every thought captive." The deceiver starts his destruction in our mind. We are more apt to catch the blatant assaults - the lies that seem so obvious, but the little ones can creep in causing us to explode or shut down. Both have equally devastating effects upon their victims.

Watch out for the thoughts that niggle at your emotions. Take the cue from your lie based negative feelings. You can own them, find their roots in the lies you have believed, and then ask Jesus for HIS truth. He will never fail to set you free. Sounds simple because it is, but you must choose to once again, take hold of HIS hand. Take hold of TRUTH.