Would you protect something that is ultimately harmful to you?
It’s strange to think that something potentially bad for us can be a treasure.
Yet, so many people, protect their hurts, anxieties, their hurtful past experiences and fears, like they would something really precious to them.
Whether you like it or not, it has become their treasure. It's something they think about and worry about all the time.
Have you ever tried calling out that one thing in a friend's life that you know is hurting them. Maybe it’s anger, a sin, a fear, or a habit that they can't seem to break. They're stuck in a cycle, but don't see it themselves?
They’ll tell you that everything’s fine or tell you to mind your own business! In essence, they're protecting it.
Ladies - hear me out here! Have you ever told your husband things are fine when you know it’s very clearly not? I know, I have - countless times!!!
What are you hiding or protecting? More importantly though, we should all ask ourselves the question: WHY are we protecting it?
Do we think we don't deserve better? Do we think we deserve to be stuck in a dismal place, a place of lack or sickness? Do we not believe that God has something better for us? Maybe it's that we think we do - because we can surely quote the scripture! But do we really believe it in our hearts? mmm... Some food for thought right there!
These treasures can destroy your life because they’ll consume your heart and drive you to do things, feel things, say things and act in a way that is not who you truly are, or who you are meant to be.
Do you know why in Phil 4:8 - we are encouraged to think about things that are TRUE first?
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. (Phil 4:8 NIV)
It’s mentioned first because it’s the first place the enemy will attack. He did it to Adam and Eve in the garden and then tried again with Jesus in the desert.
His tactic is to come to you when you’re feeling weak and low and when things don’t seem to be going so well. You’ll most probably find that its when the things of this life have kept you too busy to spend time in the Word. He’ll twist the truth of God’s word, ever so slightly - distorting it from truth into lies. It may still sound good, and it may even sound right. But you won’t know that it’s a lie if you don’t KNOW the Word.
And you’ll fall for it, because it’s easier to hold on to the hurt or the pain and succumb to your circumstances than it is to stand in faith and believe the truth of God’s word.
Comfort zones are easy.
You can handle the pressure in your comfort zone. It’s familiar and you know how to handle it. What’s that saying? “Better the devil you know!” Thanks, but no thanks, I’d rather not get to know any devils.
It’s easier to complain and stay where you are and have everyone pat you on the back because they all understand - displaying support wrapped in beautiful words like sympathy and empathy.
Stepping out of that comfort zone is not easy.
- It’s not easy to believe that you’re healed when you’re struggling with pain.
- It’s not easy to believe for a financial breakthrough when your bank account is in overdraft and you still have bills to pay.
- It’s not easy to believe for your breakthrough when you’ve been waiting for 10 years.
- It’s not easy to try something different - that you can only hope will yield different results.
It’s not easy. But then, God never said it would be.
What He did say, however, was that we were to remain encouraged and not grow weary, because at the right time, in the right season, we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up.
‘Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.’ (Galatians 6:8-10 NIV)
So let go of what you are trying so hard to protect. It’s a choice.
- If it’s hurting you, let it go.
- If it’s not serving you, let it go.
- If it’s not helping you, let it go.
- If it’s breaking you down, let it go.
- If it’s harming you or your family, let it go.
Once you’ve let go of it all, it’s time to surrender. It’s time to surrender to the One who truly has loved you from before time began. It’s time to put your trust in God because He is the author and the finisher of your faith. It all starts with Him. There is no end in Him.
Then, you’ve got to fill your heart with good treasures.
Fill your heart and your mind with what is true and praiseworthy and lovely. Protect these treasures with all your heart - because out of your heart, flows life.
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. (Prov 4:23 NLT)
- Invest time in your quiet time with God. This is your most important priority!
- Listen to the word, whether you're cooking and cleaning, on the train to work, driving in the car or just playing it in the background during the day. Listen to the Word!
- Find friends who encourage you and lift you up rather than just tell you, things are going to be okay.
- Challenge yourself to step out of one comfort zone. What will it be? What will you change? What scripture are you going to find to back up what you're standing in faith for?
- Find someone to hold you accountable. How will you hold yourself accountable.
- Find a coach who can uncover the potential inside of you. Someone who believes that you are made in the image of God and who knows that the answers are already inside of you, because you, my dear, have God in your corner!
You are loved, chosen and redeemed. Never forget that.
Lots of love
Cindy x
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