My counselor handed me a sheet to record my emotional responses to life situations. I noticed when I recorded a strong negative emotional reaction such as an angry outburst or chronic anxiety, my pain and discomfort flared up as well.
I began to learn unfortunately often the hard way I feel better when my thoughts and emotions glorify God. I feel better when I’m patient and slow to become angry as God commands us in the book of James to be “slow to anger” (James 1:19). I feel better when I do not become anxious in stressful situations as God commands us to “not be anxious about anything” (Philippians 4:6). Feeling better when I follow God’s code makes sense to me since I believe He created me. I should feel better if I follow His instruction manual, The Holy Bible.
I recall a big jump in my energy when I learned how to forgive and let go of bitterness as God commands us to do also. I had been suffering with a lot of spinal pain and felt run down with continual colds. I craved extra garlic and sometimes ate it raw to help myself fight! As I forgave and became more positive, I felt more energy and began to be able to take long walks. I also forever lost this urge to eat raw garlic.
The Apostle Paul tells us, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right; whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable…. think about these things ( Philippians 4:8) When I feel ill lying in my bed, I challenge myself to come up with twenty of these thoughts for the day. As I meditate on them, I often smile and feel strength flowing into my body. I find myself feeling blessed instead of more cursed by my illness. However, when I focus on destructive thoughts I find my body follows suit and helps keep me in my bed.
I’m so grateful to have this simple wisdom from the Lord and so grateful to share it with you. So many times as I’ve been lying down in physical discomfort, I’ve been able to help myself feel stronger by finding twenty “pure and lovely…” thoughts. I’ve helped myself physically so much too by confessing any ungodly attitude(s) and making an attitude adjustment. The power of the Holy Spirit working within me makes this all possible for me! I surely could not do this only by my own strength!
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