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Protect with an Attitude Check

7/2/2016

8 Comments

 
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Finally a month later, another Five Minute Friday! ..... Technically, its very very early Saturday........ but I have not gone to sleep yet so for me it is still Friday.  :)


The word is Protect.

START.

The first thing that came to mind upon seeing "protect" was the idea of protecting the heart... thoughts, attitudes and perceptions...

There is this idea found in Proverbs 4:23 --
"Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."


Biblically, the heart involves the mind, will and emotions... so all that encompasses should be "protected" intentionally - as much as is possible anyway.  It is certainly not easy, especially with emotions. 

But as what happens in the heart influences attitude and leads to action - the "springs of life" - guarding it is very important.

I want springs of life that are clean and pure... that resemble a joyful, nourishing, fresh mountain stream... that are life-giving to me and those around. 

How does that come about?  Well there are several verses to that effect... two of the best, or at least my favorites, are:

Philippians 4:6-8
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Isaiah 26:3-4
You keep him in perfect peace
    whose mind is stayed on you,
    because he trusts in you.
Trust in the Lord forever,
    for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.


It starts with the thinking... the right kind of thoughts lead to a sense of peace, calm, joy... which lead to actions rooted in care, wisdom and rationality.

I have been shifting to a more positive focus, rooted in God's promises and His love, and I notice I am much happier and better off for it.  That does not mean I am in "Lala Land" or am out of touch with reality - I remain fully aware of responsibilities, obligations, and needs that have to be met.  But I am trusting God instead of wasting worry on matters.  I am figuring out when I just need to wait on God to act, and when and what I need to act on.  It takes practice... it's a process... but thankfully God is patient and faithful as I continue to keep a check on my attitude.
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8 Comments
Liz link
7/2/2016 03:49:43 am

I love your image of having springs of life like a fresh mountain stream - made me think of the image in Revelation of the river of living water flowing from God's throne as well as the essential protection from disease that pure water provides.

Reply
Angela
7/2/2016 10:29:35 am

Thank you. And I hadn't thought of that one, that's another good image.

Reply
Marisa link
7/2/2016 01:31:22 pm

I love how this prompt has you speaking about our mindset and doing our best to place our lives in His hands! Thanks for sharing a piece of your journey!!

Reply
Angela
7/9/2016 11:58:50 am

Thank you, and you're welcome! :)

Reply
Cheryl link
7/2/2016 03:53:25 pm

Thoughts are powerful. I have becoming more aware of how my thoughts drive the direction of my life and how important it is to hold my thoughts captive. To do this, "lala land" isn't an option. Instead, that focused mindset allows for a greater (and healthier) approach to responsibilities and reality. Maybe letting thoughts run around unattended is being in "lala land."

--Cheryl
Visiting from fmf

Reply
Angela
7/9/2016 12:05:12 pm

Yes, and that's another verse that I had thought of but did not include, about taking thoughts captive in obedience to Christ (2 Cor 10:5). There's a reason that's included in God's word!

Reply
Kadie @ 12 twenty 8 link
7/2/2016 11:52:19 pm

Great post! It is important to us to protect our hearts and our thoughts!

Reply
Angela
7/9/2016 12:07:05 pm

Thanks, and thanks for stopping by!

Reply



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    Hi, I am Angela, and welcome to my blog.  I am a woman trying to rise above the tides of this life, seeking to grow closer to God and share His love in the process.

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