I don't often post commentary or book reports here, but this is a good read for anyone who is going through a rough patch. Loving God with all Your Mind is written by a woman for women and I don't know much else about the author. I picked it up while visiting my Mother-in-Law a couple of weeks ago (I am a bookshelf scanner).
Long story short, I picked it up and read half of it in the little amount of time that I had while there - the rest of it in the time since being home.
It was the title that caught my attention. Honestly, I would not have picked it up had I known the content... ...I am "mature" enough to "know" all the kinds of things that she wrote. However, in hindsight, it was a good smack up-side the head that forced me to come to terms with God's goodness, again, and in light of "today".
If you or somone that you know is in a valley - there are a lot of versions of those - I would consider this book as a good counseling resource. It sources a variety of Sciptures such as Philippians 4:8, Jeremiah 29: 11, Romans 8:28 and many others that we long-time christians have sent to the cliche bin. But as with all Scripture, the meditation on them along with real testimony from another "who's been there" is not unlike a nice hot shower that washes away the grime of rough day.
Cliche verses... ...cliche comments... ...cliche prayers... ...these things mean very little when a cliche crises hit an individual. Don't underestimate the power of a good word, but don't overestimate it either. Someone who is really hurting will need strong encouragement - Scriptural washing - and most likley you can't solve all the problems in a single conversation. So, rely on the leading of the Spirit to say the right things and consider passing this book along... ...and it may be a long road, stay with it whether you are in it or watching someone else in it.
3 comments:
So what's the book title?? (;
Glad you found something that helps and passing on the info. Honestly for me when I was going through a rough time a couple of years ago, things that kept my mind off "my life" or "me" helped get me get back. I gave and give the glory to God for putting those things in my life at the right time.... it's funny cause the things I'm thinking of are Twilight series, and Shock games! No wonder I'm a big fan of both!! I really do believe they helped me so much... the people that got me into both were family members that were really worried for me and praying for me all the time.
You're still in our prayers.
You are so right - there are activities and people around us to help take our focus off of ourselves - which is a bad drain.
There is a verse that comes to mind today...
Galatians 6:9 (New International Version)
9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
In the middle of a "valley" there is a huge temptation to succomb to discouragement and feel hopeless. I believe that the feelings must be contended with in the renewing of our minds, filling of the Spirit - or eventually we will run out of steam with our efforts.
In that the activities help us to focus on meaningful things and people around us they are very beneficial. But over time, it is easy [for me] to get caught looking at the things in this life, the comforts or the worries and forget the battle that is waged in our minds and hearts to defy the emotional ties (some that are not "bad") to the kingdom of this world. It is subtle - too subtle for the natural person to detect.
This is why we need (in the deepest ways) the grace of God - Something that is available to us but which some of us [I] think is somehow merited by my own efforts.
Admitting to this is a confession that I fail to live up to what I believe is true; and that is one of the things that really bothers me. (Romans 7) And what I am saying is that it started in my mind and I now have a daily fight on my hands to remember and to act on the faith that God is in control.
I love my kids. Sometimes they are a source of irritation as they fight, steal toys from one another, etc. but I still look on them with deep, lasting love and affection. We may discipline them because we love them, but there is nothing in the world that they could do to make me stop loving them. If I, as an earthly parent can care that deeply, how much more does my Father in heaven care for [me]?
There is a great cloud of witnesses who went before me, who struggled with tougher things and who God blessed with victorious and substantial life. In the past, God has led me to arrange my life around serving those around me. That is my favorite therapy - if you will. Not the easiest, but usually the longest-lasting.
I don't mean to make this more than it is either - my wife and I are trying to hit this one from a lot of angles. Prayer, activity and some medicines too.
But reading the book (I did just add the title - thanks) was a good and lengthier way to align my thinking with what Scripture says about God and His mind for us...
In the end, I look at these tribulations as growth periods that are good to share, trusting that God will reveal something wonderful. I hope to make this a spiritual lesson of victory that will be an encouragement, which is the sole reason I can bring it up.
In the meantime, still, I fight the urge to explain something that I just cannot understand... ...when I really need to focus on Him. It isn't unlike Peter out on the water in the storm...
Well said Ryan.
Thanks.
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