I remember the day when my Dad went to be with the Lord and how at one point I found myself having a difficult time with it even though I knew that he was in heaven. I think that when our loved ones leave this earth and enter into eternity there is a period where we miss them and we begin to think about their life and the imprints they have left on ours.
One particular day I found myself experiencing a deep sadness which I found out later was not healthy, in fact when we lose a loved one we can (if we’re not careful) slip into depression and may not even be aware of it. (If any of you that are reading this post knows me, you know that I am generally a pretty up-beat happy person) As I began to recognize this dark sadness brooding over me the Lord spoke to me as clear as day and said, “I’ll give you 5 more minutes to mourn, then you have to put it behind you and move on!” When he said this to me I knew exactly what he was talking about. He then spoke to me and said, “Only remember the good!” As I listened carefully to his wisdom I immediately began to think about all the good things about my father and my childhood with him. As I did this, I immediately noticed a marked improvement in my thinking and my emotions. I witnessed the dark sadness lift like a mist dissipating due to the warm sunlight!
A New Lesson: Just the other day I was mulling over in my mind some things that were troubling me regarding another person. I was really having a hard time with it and noticed that I began focusing on all the things that were “wrong” I knew that this kind of attitude was not healthy, so I began to pray (prayer is simply talking to God like you would a close friend that you can trust) I then began to write down all of the things that were bothering me regarding this situation (sometimes my way of communicating with the Lord is by writing my thoughts, questions and frustrations down, as if I’m writing Him a personal letter) and once I got it all out I gave it to the Lord and decided to trust him. Not long after I heard him again very clearly say to me “Remember how I taught you to remember the good when someone you love leaves this earth? Well, you can do this every day with all of your relationships. You can practice NOW to ‘Remember the Good’ today while they are still here on the earth.” When he said this to me it really opened my eyes and I began to do it right away, and when I did the sadness that I was feeling before lifted!
Friends, God loves us so very much. Yes he cares, especially when we’re hurting. He has an answer and wisdom to help us in every area of our lives. All we have to do is allow him to become a part of our lives on a daily basis and talk to him (pray) and most of all ‘listen’. In his word he promises to not only ‘hear’ our prayers, but ‘answer’ them as well. But he requires faith. He expects us to trust him and believe that he will help us.
Thinking “Good” thoughts scripture reference, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8
“Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, do not trust in your own way of thinking or way of doing things. In all your ways acknowledge him (look to him for wisdom and guidance) and He will show you which path to take” Proverbs 3:5,6
Other posts you may like by Nina: “Til’ the Hurt is Gone” and “The Father’s Love”
This is such a magnificent post. Thanks so much for sharing your heart and soul with all of us. In the secular world, it’s all about ‘the power of positive thinking,’ surrounding ones’ self with ‘positive energy,’ and the like. But the difference is….God is left out of the equation entirely. As someone who battles depression quite often, I’ve come to realize that when I focus on all things negative, it’s as if I’m saying, ‘Jesus, I don’t trust You to take care of me and my family, I don’t believe that You’re really here with me.’ My faith is weak, if it’s there at all. I’m like Peter, about to fall into the raging sea because he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the storm and waves instead. But if I keep my focus on Jesus and the positive things I’ve been blessed with through and by Him, my faith becomes stronger. It’s our faith in Him that saves us; we reach out our hands from the pit of depression, confidently trusting Him to grab hold of it and pull us out. This is exactly what your post conveys to me. Again, thanks so much.
Thank you Pam for taking the time to comment and share your thoughts. I agree 100% with your input, beliefs and faith! You are exactly right by stating how important it is for us to keep our focus on Jesus. Blessings to you!
Pastor Nina Tidwell
Ponce Church
poncechurch.com