When 2 Corinthians 10:5b (NKJV) states: "...bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" it gives us a plan to move forward when we can barely move. When our past paralyzes us, when we can't seem to get a grip on forgiveness or bitterness, He gives us the answer.
So how do we move forward? How do we allow ourselves to move on when pain haunts us? The mandate seems simple, but anyone who needs to move on, knows its not. The key is that we can't do it alone.
A couple of posts back I discussed how my daughter was kidnapped during a carjacking. For days I couldn't close my eyes without seeing the van drive away with my helpless daughter inside. Other times I could hear myself screaming as loud as I possibly could "He has my baby! Please help me! He took my baby!!" The panic would set in and sleep eluded me. After being home for one night, dealing with a virus and being offered sleeping pills at the immediate care, I knew I had to seek another answer.
I called a friend who reminded me to take my thoughts captive. In pursuing the "how to" in the past I was given a great picture. Light and dark cannot dwell in the same place. To entertain the darkness and allow it to stay was inviting the consequences of those thoughts. Depression, fear, anger and unforgiveness are just a few of the emotions that can take over our lives and steal our peace. To allow the to take up residence is detrimental to our spiritual lives as well. The only recourse is to bring in the light. Allow it to penetrate our thoughts and minds.
At these times of distress, the Lord would bring back to me the familiar verses I had memorized in my younger years. One of Mom's favorite passages brings great wisdom and strength: 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." (Philippians 4:8, New King James Version) The New American Standard Version tells us to "dwell on these things".
This one concept has brought me more freedom over the years than I can adequately express. In the areas of forgiveness, grief and overcoming traumatic events. After working three years in the emergency room, there were a lifetime of memories that no one wants to keep. Don't get me wrong, the way our minds works, thoughts will pass through, images will still flash in my mind, but they no longer linger. They are sent into captivity to be replaced with the peace of a loving Savior who suffered more on the day He gave His life for me than I will ever experience on this earth.
Do you have dark places in your life that need to be removed? Do you seek to be healed of the past? Have you been seeking the healer of all hurts?
Always,
Hope
2 comments:
WOW, very insightful and well written. You have a gift in your ability to share from your heart. I had no idea your daughter had been kidnapped either. I can only imagine how traumatic that would be. Thank you for sharing your heart. It's beautiful...and encouraging.
Thank you so much for sharing this with me. I look forward to reading more and being blessed by what God has given you and your wonderful ability to share it.
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