If you spend your time concerned about not getting it right, then most likely you won’t. Success at anything isn’t by accident, but by decision. One thing that separates those who succeed from those who fail is a decision not to give in to the fear of failure. Your thoughts are important. What you spend the most time thinking about leads you to act toward those thoughts.
One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, is to be sure your thinking matches what you believe, and then start behaving in line with those truths. As you identify underlying problems that hinder you from right thinking, this is where you need to think through and discover the root problem and real issues you face, not just the symptoms.
You don’t have to read very far into the Bible to see examples of people failing to identify their real problem.
- In Genesis 3:12, Adam blamed both God and his wife for his sin: “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.”
- In the very next verse, Eve blamed Satan saying, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate,” ignoring the fact that God had given her free will to choose.
- Cain’s sacrifice was given without the right motive and it was rejected by God. Rather than examine his own heart, Cain killed Abel in jealousy.
The Apostle Paul offers great encouragement in how to experience peace and freedom with right thinking:
Do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:6-8 ESV
Paul gives you four specific things you can do daily with the promise that peace will follow.
- Pray daily.
- Ask humbly.
- Give thanksgiving daily.
- Tell yourself the truth.
Peace and freedom happen at the intersection of God’s intentional love for you, the gifts and talents He gave you and your willingness to be obedient to take action.
