Phone, wallet, keys, computer, computer charger, lunch, coffee …
Can you relate to this mental checklist I run through as I race out the door in the morning? I laugh at myself because sometimes, when I’m walking out my front door, I have so many things in my hands that it looks like I’m leaving home for a week.
Nope … just for the workday!
I don’t know if your mornings look anything like this, but as I’ve thought about the fast pace of not just my mornings but sometimes my whole life, this is what I’ve realized: Sometimes I get moving so fast I forget to slow down and remember what is most important. And while there’s a lot of good advice and wisdom to live by, the most important words to remember are the truth-filled words in the pages of Scripture.
So if you’re feeling overwhelmed today … if the pace of your life feels out of control … if your heart feels discouraged and weary … turn with me to Psalm 103:1-5 (ESV):
“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.”
I love how the psalmist instructs his soul to “forget not.” He reminds himself of all the “benefits” (v. 2) of who God is and what He offers us: forgiveness, healing, redemption, love, mercy, good, renewal.
I know what it’s like to read these words and struggle to believe they’re true — because maybe what you’re facing doesn’t look like any of those things. You don’t feel healed. You don’t feel loved. You don’t feel renewed. I know what it’s like to believe in Jesus and know He’s here but not feel Him at all. I’ve been there, too.
But you see, the trustworthy component of Truth is this: it’s true forever. No matter what we’re going through, no matter what we feel, Truth is still true. And when we feel overwhelmed, sometimes the best thing we can do is come back into alignment with what’s ultimately true.
God forgives …
God heals …
God redeems …
God crowns us with love and mercy …
God satisfies us with goodness …
When we take time to remember what’s true about God and therefore what’s true for us, we can then reframe any thought that’s setting itself up to be opposite of that.
Philippians 4:8 even tells us, “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (ESV, emphasis added).
Yes, these things. This is what I need more of in my life. These are the things I need to fix my thoughts on in the morning … not just my mental checklist of everything I need for my day.
Reframing your thoughts doesn’t mean you ignore the reality of what you’re facing. It doesn’t mean you overlook hurt or abuse or discouragement or unanswered prayers. Reframing your thoughts isn’t a choice to ignore the realities of your situation. It’s a choice to factor God back into the equation. To remember who He is and what is true in the middle of what feels scary and overwhelming.
Today, as you recall to mind what is true and instruct your soul to “forget not,” live comforted in the truth that God has not forgotten you. He hears your prayers. He’s listening. He’s doing more than you think He is. He’s here right now. And if all you can do this morning is show up with your needs, questions and hurting heart, that’s OK. God’s Truth-filled promises are still for you today no matter what you’re facing. Remember this today, friend.
God, thank You for the promise that Your Word is true at all times. No matter what I’m walking through … no matter what I feel … no matter what is overwhelming me … You are the source of my strength and are my safe place for what is ultimately true. Remind me of what’s true, especially when I’m overwhelmed by what’s in front of me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
