Devour, Determine, Demolish and Desire

Earlier this week I had the opportunity to talk to a group of women about faulty thinking - explain what it is and then to be vulnerable and share some of my faulty thinking. And I felt to share some of it on my blog this morning .... .

I believe there are two main areas of faulty thinking:
1. Faulty thoughts we have about ourselves and others. These are any thoughts we have that don't line up with what God's word says about us.
2. Faulty thoughts we have about our God. These are any thoughts we have that don't line up with who God's word says He is.

Faulty thinking is a problem because it limits our ability to be all that God has called us to be, and it can have very detrimental effects on those around us. 

Faulty thinking robs us ... it is the reality of John 10:10

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Faulty thinking often happens because:
A. We believe the lies of the enemy and generalise them to our entire lives.
B. We live with unprocessed pain and disappointment so we leave ourselves open to easily take offense and respond disproportionately
C. We don't trust that God is greater than our circumstances - we let fear take hold

In preparing this talk, I was asked God how to finish, and this is what He gave me .... the 4 D's - Devour, Determine, Demolish and Desire.

How to combat faulty thinking - 

Devour God's word to understand what He says about us - that we are lavishly loved by the creator of the universe; that we are fearfully and wonderfully made; that we have a sound mind, and the list goes on. Knowing this, helps us to identify faulty thinking - the lies when they come. Devour God's word to understand more of God's character - who He is, His authority, and the authority He has given to us as believers in Jesus Christ.

Determine to position ourselves so that we can learn from others. Church - Sunday services, Encounter nights, Healing services. Don't be scared to receive all that God has for you. Listen/watch teaching DVDs, YouTube and Podcasts.

Demolish the unprocessed pain and disappointment. Ask Jesus to show you if you are harbouring unprocessed pain and open your heart to let Him heal you - this may be a quick process, or a long process. We may need help from other people, but we need to stick with Him, persevere and let Jesus do a good work in us. 

Desire a deeper, more intimate relationship with Jesus. Know He is our closest friend, so we can trust Him no matter what the facts might say.
1. Give God time and space to speak to you daily, however that works for you. If you think you don't have time, ask Him to show you when is a good time in your day. 
2. Remember it is not just pouring out your heart and needs to Him, but also listening to help His voice become louder than your own, or that of the enemy.
3. Worship Him
4. Remember what He has done - starting with your salvation

So where to from here?  My suggestion would be in some quiet time with God, ask Him these questions,
1. What lies am I believing about myself?
2. What pain and disappointment am I living with?
3. What areas in my life am I living in fear?

If it is too overwhelming to ask these all at one, maybe ask one at a time.

Once God has given you these answers, ask Him what to do about it, and then do it. Remember God is with You always, He doesn't leave you to do this by yourself, and He wants to see you living in freedom, thinking His thoughts, not faulty thoughts, so you can do all that He has called you to do - loving Him and loving others in an emotionally healthy way.

I pray that these thoughts are encouraging help you to live more fully in the abundant life Jesus has given to each of us.

So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, If abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will see you free. John 8:31-32 AMP