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Counteracting the Negative and Finding My Peace!
By Sylvia Di Meglio
I have often wondered how some people can be so at peace, especially in the middle of a difficult trial. I’ll ask myself, “What’s her secret?” But I’ve learned in my own life that what you see isn’t always the real deal. I call it chaos in disguise. Just because someone looks like they have it all together doesn’t mean they really do.
Just a few months ago, after ministering at a women’s conference, a young lady came up to me and began complimenting me; the way I played piano and sang and ‘ministered’ that night. I felt a little embarrassed by it, not because of what she was saying, but because all I could think about while she was speaking was, how ugly and how worthless I was feeling about myself, even though I had been ‘ministering’ to a great group of women! How bizarre was that?! What was wrong with me? I wanted to shout, “Are you blind? Don’t you see what’s raging inside me?” As I was driving home that night, I talked to God about living in constant mental, emotional and/or spiritual chaos. I was so frustrated with myself and I need some answers and needed to know how to ‘fix’ all this negative stuff that bound me up! I needed PEACE! And God, faithful as He always is answered me and addressed the situation that night.
1) The first thing He showed me was the need to detoxify. How do we do that? We detoxify our minds, our souls and our hearts with the deep cleansing that comes with repentance. We must repent of negativity, of our rebellion, of our disobedience—and especially of unbelief of all that God says – ‘we are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus! And that God is our strength and our hope ! And that He will always provide a way out of all that is negative in our lives. Rather than believing these Biblical truths we have chosen to believe the lies of the enemy that keep us bound in unbelief, negativity and rebellion. As we bare our hearts to God, we must ask Him to show us the behaviors that hinder us from receiving His continuous peace and joy.
2) We must forgive those who have hurt us whether it was intentional or not. There is no point in keeping track of the times they have wounded us. In fact, scripture says God won't forgive us if we don't forgive others. This is a hard truth to swallow, but it is absolutely necessary and freeing! We must forgive and receive His forgiveness so we can move on.
3) We must make the choice to live for God; getting into the Word on a daily basis. We must pick up the Bible and spend time reading it and meditating on it. My spirit is encouraged every time I spend time with Him and hearing from Him through His Word. Next time you’re feeling down about something, or irritable, or grumpy and you start to reach for the remote control or you’re going to get on Facebook to get the latest gossip(!) pick up the Bible instead or start journaling some things God just may be wanting to share with you at this time!
4) We must share our lives, giving of ourselves to those around us. Remember--we reap what we sow. So start sowing kindness, love and forgiveness and watch the beauty of that person’s life start to bloom and become contagious to those around them too! And then notice how beautiful you start to become on the inside too. Shine on!
5) We must start speaking positive words/the very words of Christ found in His Word back into our lives to overcome our negative words and emotions. The powerful words of Jesus found in His Word can overcome every negative the enemy throws at us. The words of Jesus are an answer to any and every situation you may be facing! How very important to search His Word, know His Word and speak His truths right back into our lives!
6) We must start listening to the truth. Lies of the enemy only pull us deeper into discouragement. But God’s truth will lead us through. So we must listen to the things that bring joy and peace back into our lives--things which are true, noble, just, pure, lovely and whatever things that are of good report, as Philippians 4:8-9 states, “if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”
We serve a God who answers when we need answers. He lets us know what we need to do and then He is faithful to do HIs part. We need to excercise faith, but faith without making the changes He requires us to is dead. God wants us to overcome in all situations and struggles and we can! We must trust Him to bring us through. Jesus never fails. There is a way to overcome the negatives of life but we need to put His Word into practice! Then we will be blessed with His peace!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson,Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Silvia Di Meglio is a successful entrepreneur and passionate worship leader. She has traveled throughout the United States, Canada and overseas, ministering at a number of churches, conferences and outreaches. She has a passion for mentoring and empowering young women to fulfill their unique callings.
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