Thinking and Beliefs – Page 2 – Hope for Complete Healing

Heal Goodness Issues to Heal Mental and Physical Illness

What happens when someone says or does something bad to you? Why are people bad and hurtful, and how can they be good and helpful instead? When people do or say bad things to you, it wounds your soul or heart. These offenses create negative energy that negatively affects your health. I was amazed when I healed the goodness issues from my past, and my asthma improved. Everyone has goodness issues to heal because we all have been abused (in one way or another), shamed, gossiped about, devalued, and so on.

Why Are People Not Good?

We are all born with a sinful nature that causes us to be naturally bad and desire to hurt others. You don’t have to train a child to disobey, hit, lie, steal, be selfish, etc. Therefore, we are intentionally or unintentionally hurtful and cause wounds in someone’s heart. Our hearts are healed when the painful memory of the hurtful action is healed through forgiving the person or people. See my webbook to learn more about healing your memories.

Only God is good, and only He can make us good. When a person acknowledges they are a sinner, asks God for forgiveness, and receives Him into their hearts, they will have the true power to be good. Many people think they are good, even though they are sinners. All sin separates you from God, and no one can be good except through God. Though sinners may do good deeds, they are often driven by unconscious sinful desires. For example, I had an unsaved prisoner say she was a good person, even when she sold drugs. I explained that selling drugs causes harm to another person and is therefore bad, not good. Another inmate, who was saved, understood and explained to her that they thought they were being helpful by selling drugs.

What is Goodness and Good Works

Let’s examine what goodness and good works are. Goodness is a fruit of the Spirit that develops when we become spiritually and mentally healthy. Additionally, when we receive Christ as our Savior, we must conform to His image as we allow Him to heal our minds. Ephesians 2:10 states, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Titus 3:1-8 explains some of the good works we are to do and how God’s goodness empowers us to do good works. There is a lot to unpack in this passage.

“Remind them

to be submissive to rulers and authorities, (Rom 13:1 also states, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”
to be obedient, (Col 3:22-24),
to be ready for every good work, (2Cor. 9:8, Col. 1:10, and 2Tim. 2:21)
to speak evil of no one, (James 4:11 and Acts 23:5)
to avoid quarreling, (Rom. 14:1 and 2Tim. 2:14)
to be gentle, and
to show perfect courtesy toward all people (1Cor. 13:4-5).

It is hard to submit to our rulers and those in authority, especially if we disagree with them or have resentment towards them. We are still required by God to obey them. This passage has the same advice as I explained in my last post. If you haven’t read it, please do. Thank you. The reason we struggle with Titus’s instructions is that we harbor resentments and anger from hurtful memories, especially toward authority figures. Many of us also have trust issues because those in authority over us hurt us by their sinful actions. These wounds need to be healed, so we can trust and submit to authority.

3) For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. This describes our sinful nature and the present worldview. 1Corinthians 6:11 adds, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

4) But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,

He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy,
by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
so that being justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

It is God the Holy Spirit who will wash us clean from our sins, regenerate our sinful nature to be righteous, and renew our minds to do what is good and right. Re-read the above verses and meditate on each phrase until you have internalized these fabulous truths.

8) The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.” Now we must seek to do good to those around us and not harm them. But first, you need to be washed, regenerated (sanctified), and renewed by the Holy Spirit; otherwise, our sinful nature still controls our thoughts and actions. Sanctification or renewal begins by putting off our old sinful nature by counting it dead, then putting on our new self, which is in the image of God, righteous and holy in truth (Eph. 4:22-24).

Go to my web page that explains the process for working through your goodness issues. This is not a quick process, but it will be well worth your effort.

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All verses are from the English Standard Version. If you find my posts and website helpful, please share this link with your friends and family: hopeforcompletehealing.com. The information is copyright-protected. Please do not reproduce any part of the posts or my book without proper citation to Joyce Hanscom and this website.

My latest book, Unlocking God’s Promises, explains 18 categories of promises that are relevant to each of our lives. It also includes the promises in Psalm 91.

If you find this website helpful, you would like to read Breaking Mental Strongholds, which expands on my website book and includes many of my posts.

Additionally, consider my book Fighting Unseen Battles, which describes the many unhealthy beliefs that control our lives and what the truths are. To learn more about this book, read the post How to Fight Unseen Battles. Contact me at hopeforcompletehealing@gmail.com and ask for a PDF of Eight Life-Changing Prayers from the Bible. The prayers are for the Spirit of wisdom, renewal, spiritual strength, knowledge of His will, virtues of God, non-believers, the 23rd Psalm, and victory. I will also send you the Lord’s Prayer Model to pray effectively. Please leave your name, so I know you are a real person making the request.

Ten Ways to Live in Peace to Maintain Mental Health

Are there people who make you miserable? Do you have a hard time living in peace with family members, co-workers, or even church members? Are you triggered when someone challenges you or disrespects you?

Peace is a hallmark of someone who does not let people and situations affect them emotionally. How can someone do that? I admire those who stay calm and can be rational with those who are angry and dysfunctional. I have always reacted negatively to those who were mean to me, which is human nature. I often become anxious when situations are outside my control. In this post, you will learn the ten ways to stay above chaotic people and situations that affect your mental health.

I grew up in a very angry home, where fights were the norm every day. I never had peace or joy in my life, even when I lived alone, because my mental health was affected by the chaos of my past. Then I married an abusive man, who antagonized me with constant threats and put-downs. The fights were horrendous because my old tapes replayed in my mind. I desperately wanted to feel valued and loved. Have you ever noticed that where there is love in the home, there is also peace and joy? Where there is respect, there is peace and cooperation.

First, Deal With Your Own Peace Issues.

You can’t live in peace with others if your mind and heart are filled with conflicting emotions from past trauma and painful memories. When I worked through my peace issues, I became emotionally stable. I am a completely different person today, and as I continue to work through peace issues, I can now separate myself from the emotions of another person and not let them bother me. For example, a woman who is contentious came up to me on several occasions and spoke in an unkind way. I was able to smile and listen to her and not react out of my past insecurity tapes. That is when I knew I had victory and could live in peace with anyone. The other way you know you are living in peace is if you don’t repeat the matter and gossip. Not being triggered by other people’s weaknesses is the victory we are to strive for.

Peace is as big an issue as love is to God. Matthew 5:9 states, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Peacemakers are not people pleasers, but they make peace with those who are controversial. And Hebrews 12:14 states, “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” Striving means to work hard for. People who make an effort to live in peace with those around them are also holy. Holiness is having a pure heart and living in perfect, harmonious union with God and people. Holiness is a huge topic that I will not cover in this post. Please read my posts about why and how to purify your heart and soul. WHY HEAL YOUR HEART AND PURIFY YOUR SOUL? and Five Steps to Heal Your Heart and Purify Your Soul.

Second, Give the Circumstances to God and be Thankful.

It is hard to have peace when the world around you is falling apart, or your health is falling apart, or your family is falling apart. God wants you to cast your cares and anxieties on Him because He cares for you (1Peter 5:7). The devil is looking for a chance to steal your peace and joy, through chaos. Overcome the devil by keeping your faith and eyes on Jesus (1Peter 5:8-9). In John 16:33, Jesus says, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Being thankful is another way to keep peace in your heart despite your circumstances (Phil. 4:6-7 and 1Thes. 5:16-18). For example, you get a flat tire and you are late for an appointment. Before you get upset, thank God for his protection and for giving you a sound mind to know what to do. Ask God to help you and keep your mind on God’s perfect will being accomplished in the situation. It is amazing how being thankful helps you maintain a sound mind.

How to Respond to Those in Opposition.

I came across Second Timothy 2:22-26, which offers insight into how to live in peace with difficult people. In today’s politically divided world, we have ample opportunity to practice living in peace. Romans 12:18 states, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

22) So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. When we were young, we would take everything personally. If someone didn’t do what we wanted, we would get angry. If they snubbed us, we would get angry, and so on. Now we are to put away our youthful passions and childish thinking and love others (1Cor. 13:4-11). We must now pursue (strive for) righteousness, faith, love, and peace.

23) Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. We are all familiar with foolish, ignorant controversies, so I won’t describe them here. If you know an issue is controversial, do not become emotionally engaged with it. As I said earlier, when you are at peace in your own mind, then you will be at peace with others. No one ever wins a quarrel, which is why Satan baits us to quarrel with each other. The definition of quarrel is a cause of dispute, complaint, or hostile feeling (dictionary.com 2025). Quarreling destroys relationships.

24-26) And the Lord’s servant must

A. not be quarrelsome

B. (be) kind to everyone,

C. able to teach,

D. patiently enduring evil (trouble, Rom 12:12),

E. correcting his (or her) opponents with gentleness.

God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

Conclusion

The ten ways to live in peace are:

Deal with your peace issues to eliminate the triggers that cause emotional upset from other people’s rude unkindness.
Pray and give all your troubles and concerns to God.
Be thankful in every circumstance, even those that are stressful.
Strive for and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace.
Do not quarrel.
Show kindness.
Teach the truth.
Be patient.
Gently correct those in opposition.
Set your mind on the things of God and purify your heart.

1Thessalonians 5:23 states, “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

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My latest book, Unlocking God’s Promises, explains 18 categories of promises that are relevant to each of our lives. It also includes the promises in Psalm 91.

If you find this website helpful, you would like to read Breaking Mental Strongholds, which expands on my website book and includes many of my posts.

Contact me at hopeforcompletehealing@gmail.com and ask for a PDF of Eight Life-Changing Prayers from the Bible. The prayers are for the Spirit of wisdom, renewal, spiritual strength, knowledge of His will, virtues of God, non-believers, the 23rd Psalm, and victory. I will also send you the Lord’s Prayer Model to pray effectively. Please leave your name, so I know you are a real person making the request.

How to Become A New Person

Do you struggle with doubt that God is happy with your life? Do you feel like a hypocrite because you don’t feel you measure up to the church’s standard? When I read about putting off your old self with its evil practices, I felt guilty and helpless to overcome my personal sins and addictions. There is hope. We all know the verse in 2Corintians 5:17, which says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” So, why didn’t I act like a new creation? The new creation loves God with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength, and loves others as themselves.

God knows all about your struggles, and He still loves you (Ps. 139). He wants to help you be free (John 8:36). James 4:6-8 outlines the basic steps you need to take to see victory in your new life in Christ.

Humble yourself before God and admit that you can’t live godly and be like Christ without Him and His help. God honors the prayers of the humble person. James 4:6 states, “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”
Submit your life and your situation to Him. My last post explained how to submit to God and live through Him. Admit you want to please Him, but you need His help. James 4:7 states, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Also, read my post called Why, What, and How to Submit to God and be FREE.
Resist the devil’s temptations to sin or feel condemned and hopeless.
Draw near to God in prayer, and He will draw near to you (James 4:8). Hebrews 4:15-16 states, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16) Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Repent of known sins. Act 3:19 states. “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” Our sins separate us from God and block our prayers. Isaiah 59:2 states, “But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.” Repent means you seek God’s forgiveness for your sins and ask His help to overcome the sin, then resolve to obey and put on a new self that reflects Christ’s image.

I struggled for years to put off my old, sinful inner self. I hated how my sins and addictions continued to control my behavior. I was under tremendous guilt and condemnation. I prayed the following prayer every day for several years. When I submitted my resentments and trauma memories to God, and He began to heal them, and I forgave those who hurt me, then this prayer was more effective. Visit hopeforcompletehealing.com to discover how to receive healing for your painful memories and be freed from resentments. I now love God with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength, and love others as myself.

Prayer of Victory – source unknown; modified by Joyce Hanscom

Father, I want to remind myself this morning that my sin-loving nature (my flesh with its passions and desires [Gal. 5:24]) died with Your Son when He died. I am no longer under sin’s control. Instead, I am alive to God (Rom. 6:1-13) the Creator of the universe is inhabiting my very being (1Cor. 3:16). Live through me today as You choose, so that I may say as Jesus did, that I do nothing of myself, but live by the power of the living Father (John 5:19; 6:57). I don’t want to do anything from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind, I want to regard others as more important than myself. Not to look out for my own personal interests but also for the interests of others, which was Christ’s attitude (Phil. 2:3-5).

Today, I put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with others and forgiving them, not complaining about them but forgiving them, just as You have forgiven me. And beyond all these things, I want to put on a heart of LOVE (Col. 3:12-14, Eph. 4 :31-32). That I may be patient and not react to pain and trouble by complaining or losing self-control. I will be kind by showing sympathy, friendship, gentleness, and tenderheartedness. I have put into my heart a love that is not jealous, does not brag, is not arrogant, and is not full of pride or self-importance or haughtiness. Please help me not to act unbecomingly and not to seek my own interests. Please give me the grace to forgive and not keep a record of wrongs. I do not want to rejoice in unrighteousness but rejoice with the truth. Lastly, I put on Your love, which bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things through Your strength (1Cor. 13:4-7).

Father, I ask that I would be rooted and grounded in Christ’s love. That I may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge. Fill me with Your fullness (Eph. 3:17-19). And fill me with the knowledge of Your will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, to walk worthily to please You in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Strengthen me with all power, according to Your glorious might, to attain all steadfastness and patience. Let me joyously thank the Father, who has qualified me to share in the saints’ inheritance in light (Col. 1:9-12).

This day is Yours. I realize that anything that comes my way today, whether a promotion or deposing (Ps. 75:6-7), victory or defeat, blessing or testing, mountain or valley, has come with Your permission. It has come with great purpose from my loving heavenly Father to bless me and conform me to the image of Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:28-29). And since you spared not Your Son, but gave Him up for me, won’t you surely give me everything else? (Rom. 8:32). Today, I am more than a conqueror through Christ (Rom. 8:37), and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13). I will choose today to rejoice always in the Lord; pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks; for this is Your will (1Thes. 5:16-18).

I now put on the armor of God that I may be able to resist in the evil day and having done everything, to stand firm: I put on the belt of truth and store Your word in my heart that I may not sin against you (Ps. 119:11). Next, I put on the breastplate of righteousness by putting on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires (Rom. 13:14). I will put on the shoes of the gospel of peace that I may strive to live in peace with all people (Heb. 12:14). Then, I will take up the shield of faith with which to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one. And put on the helmet of salvation, and take up the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s Word (Eph. 6:13-17). I put on the Lord Jesus Christ and choose to walk by the Spirit today, not carrying out the desire of my corrupt flesh and spirit as though I was still in darkness (Gal. 5:16, 25; Rom 13:13-14). Father, I want to glorify You today by bearing much fruit and showing myself to be Your disciple (John 15:8). I acknowledge that You are the vine, and I am a branch that cannot bear fruit apart from You (John 15:5). Help me, Lord, to bring forth Your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control today. Amen.

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You may copy and modify this prayer to help you with your specific issues you want to transform.

My latest book, Unlocking God’s Promises, explains 18 categories of promises that are relevant to each of our lives. It also includes the promises in Psalm 91.

If you find this website helpful, you would like to read Breaking Mental Strongholds, which expands on my website book and includes many of my posts.

Mental and Spiritual Health Transformation

How do you know when you are mentally healthy? As you know, mental health is complex, but it is affected by your spiritual health. I discovered that when I am spiritually healthy, I am also mentally healthy. When I am mentally healthy, I am also emotionally healthy. I also discovered that sin in our lives and in the world affects our mental health, so the first thing to do for your mental health is to deal with your sin and the sins of others that hurt you.

I know when my spiritual health is down by the thoughts I am thinking, which reveal my mental health, so I ask God to show me why I am thinking negative or unforgiving thoughts. Here is the process I go through to transform my mind.

Recognize what I am thinking, especially if I am feeling sad, anxious, or mad.
Ask God why? If you don’t hear from God, then get your concordance out and find the word that best fits how you are feeling. You can also bring up Biblegateway.com or Biblehub.com and search for verses to address your current mental state.
Look up the scriptures to discover what unhealthy belief you have that is affecting your thoughts. I wrote a blog that lists various unhealthy beliefs and the truth to replace them: EXCHANGE OPPRESSIVE LIES FOR FREEDOM.
Take captive the wrong thoughts and beliefs, commanding them to be gone, and put in biblically true thoughts and beliefs in your mind.

A recent example:

I was feeling sad and angry. I ask God to show me why I was sad. My mother, who is 83 with dementia, was put on comfort care at the nursing home. My Aunt said to have her evaluated at the hospital. It turns out she had pneumonia. I was sad and angry that the nursing home was going to let her die without being evaluated. I took my thoughts captive and put them out, forgave those in charge of her care, and then put in the scripture truth that God knows all things and only He knows when our last breath will be. Apparently, I signed a paper stating that comfort care only would be provided if she had an irreversible condition. But without an evaluation, how did they know the illness was not reversible? I was also sad because I spent 10 days in the hospital with her, and hosted my Aunt many of those days, which totally disrupted my plans. I took those thoughts captive and replaced them with the truth that Jesus would want me to be with her in her time of need, and everything else can be put on hold. Matthew 25:45 states, “Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’”

How to Become Spiritually Healthy and Transform Your Mind (Eph. 4:22-24; Rom. 12:1-2; and Col. 3:10).

What you think dictates what you feel and how you behave. Read each of the passages several times to put these truths into your heart and mind. If you struggle with any point in the passage, then ask God why. You may have a wrong belief that needs to be put off before the truth can be put on.

I died with Christ, now sin does not rule my life (Rom. 6:11 & 16), and I was buried, raised, and made alive with Christ (Col. 2:12-13). To die with Christ is to consider my worldly and sinful desires as dead, so they no longer control me (Rom. 6:6-7). Since I have died to my fleshly desires, I no longer live for myself, but for Christ (2 Cor. 5:14-15; Gal. 2:20 & 5:24). My life is now hidden in Him, and Christ is now my life (Col. 2:20; 3:3; Rom. 6:11-12). Now I can do what is right and loving since Christ is in my heart by faith (Eph 3:17).

I am free from the power of sin over my mind, and I can passionately pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness (1Tim. 6:11), and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart (2Tim. 2:22). I will also add to my faith; moral excellence (virtue), then knowledge of God, then self-control, then steadfastness and endurance; then godliness, then brotherly kindness, and then love (2Pet. 1:5-7). I will walk by the Spirit and not gratify my sinful flesh (Gal. 5:16). I will set my mind on the Spirit to have life and peace and not on my sinful flesh, which is death to my spirit (Rom. 8:6).

I am firmly rooted in Christ and am now being built up in Him (Col. 2 :7). As I become rooted in Christ, I will begin to bear the fruit of the Spirit, which is Christ’s character of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-24). I can only bear fruit as I abide in the vine, Jesus Christ, and in His word (John 15:5-9). Because of Christ in me, I have been made righteous (2 Cor. 5:21). Now I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13).

When I live in Christ and keep my mind on the Spirit of God, I have His divine power to live a godly life through the knowledge of Him who called me to His glory and excellence. And I have been given exceedingly great and precious promises by God by which I am a partaker of His divine nature to escape the corruption of the world because of sinful desires (2 Pet. 1:3-4). I have divine power to put to death all earthly desires: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry (Col. 3:5). I can put on my new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator, Jesus Christ (Col. 3:10). I put on a compassionate heart, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with others and, if I have a complaint against another, forgiving them; as the Lord has forgiven me, and above all these I put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony (Col. 3:12-14).

Because Jesus understands my weaknesses, I have the confidence to come boldly before the throne of God to find mercy and grace in times of need when I am being tempted (Heb. 4:16; Heb. 2:18). I have a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline, and I am not afraid (2 Tim. 1:7). Fear, anger, and anxiety no longer controls my mind; if it does, then I pray and put it out and put in the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. My words have the power to influence my mind; therefore, I will set my mind on the things of the Spirit and on Christ and not on the things of the world (Col. 3:1-3).

I am chosen before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless and predestined for adoption to become a child of God (Eph. 1:4-5; Rom. 8:15-16). Therefore, I have been washed, regenerated, and renewed by the Holy Spirit. I have a holy calling (saved and set apart) according to God’s purpose and grace through Christ Jesus (2 Tim. 1:9; Titus 3:5). I am being renewed day by day (2Cor. 4:16). Now I am blessed with every spiritual blessing (Eph. 1:3).

Conclusion

If you apply all the Scriptures above, then you will be spiritually and mentally healthy. Sin causes hopelessness and mental illnesses and destroys your relationships. Only when you live through Christ will you be free to truly enjoy life and peace. There is much more to being spiritually healthy. For more details, please read Are You Spiritually Healthy?

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My latest book, Unlocking God’s Promises, explains 18 categories of promises that are relevant to each of our lives. It also includes the promises in Psalm 91.

If you find this website helpful, you would like to read Breaking Mental Strongholds, which expands on my website book and includes many of my posts.

BENEFITS OF BELONGING

Do you ever wonder where you belong? Do you think there has to be more to life? The answer goes beyond the physical world. When you belong to a club or organization, you develop a passion and purpose; similarly, belonging to Jesus Christ also provides you with a purpose.

Belonging gives you a shared sense of purpose and passion because you are engaged in something meaningful. As a Bible teacher, my purpose is to help others learn and grow in their knowledge of God and the Scriptures. I have a passion for doing my best, and I want my students to achieve their best. I focus on learning new teaching techniques and creating fun activities to enhance my students’ learning experience. I feel that I belong to something greater than myself, and the camaraderie I share with other teachers reinforces this sense of belonging.

What gives you purpose and passion? If you find yourself struggling with this question, I encourage you to look outside yourself and toward the divine presence of God. My relationship with God has provided me with a sense of belonging, passion, and purpose—all of which are essential for mental well-being.

Does your purpose and passion hurt or help others?

Your purpose and passion can either benefit others and society or cause harm. For example, a person struggling with mental health issues may develop a harmful or distorted purpose, like the motivations of someone who commits acts of violence against innocent people. Individuals who inflict pain often hold onto a passion rooted in destructive lies and are influenced by the negativity they allow into their minds.

Ephesians 6:12 states, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” The demonic world cannot read your mind, but they can put negative thoughts into your mind. You can take your bad or negative thoughts captive, put them out of your mind, and meditate on good things. The Apostle Paul suggested in Philippians 4:8, “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.” Consider what thoughts occupy your mind. What influences you to be loving, kind, and helpful? The focus of your mind ultimately shapes your purpose and passion.

God Gives You Purpose

Being part of the family of God is incredibly rewarding and positively impacts your mental health. I have outlined numerous benefits of being a follower of Jesus Christ. Please read the statements below and reflect on how each truth provides you with a sense of purpose and belonging. There is so much to be passionate about!

You have been bought with a price through the sacrifice of Christ Jesus; You are not your own anymore but belong to God (1 Cor. 6:19-20). If you believe this and receive Him into your heart, you are given the right to become a child of God and belong to His family (John 1:12).
Since you are in Christ and He is in you (Col. 1:27), by the grace of God… you have been justified, completely forgiven, and redeemed (renewed) (Rom. 5:1; Eph 1:7). You now belong to Christ Jesus because you are in Christ and forgiven of your sins. Now you have a purpose to tell others of what Christ has done for you and can do for them.
You are free forever from condemnation because you are in Christ (Rom. 8:1). Since you belong to Christ and are free from condemnation of your former sins, you are now free to passionately reach out to those who are hurting and in need of freedom from their sin condition.
You have been placed in Christ by God’s mercy, and you now possess wisdom from God, His righteousness, sanctification, and redemption (1 Cor. 1:30).
You have received the Spirit of God that you might know the things freely given to you by God (1 Cor. 2:12). You can now go to God in prayer, and He will give you understanding. You have been given the mind of Christ (1Cor. 2:16).
You have been established, anointed, and sealed by God in Christ, and you have been given the Holy Spirit as a pledge guaranteeing your inheritance to come (2 Cor. 1:21; Eph. 1:13-14).
You were predestined and determined by God to be adopted as God’s child (Eph. 1:5).
You have been redeemed and forgiven, and you receive His lavish grace. You have been made alive together with Christ (Eph. 2:5), and raised up and seated with Christ in Heaven (Eph. 2:6).
You are one with God (1Cor. 6:17) and have direct access to God through the Spirit (Eph. 2:17-18). So you may approach God with boldness, freedom, and confidence (Eph. 3:12).
You have been rescued from the domain of Satan’s rule and transferred to the kingdom of Christ. You have been redeemed and forgiven of all your sins. (Col. 1:13-14).
The debt against you has been canceled (Col. 2:14).
Because You are sanctified (by putting off your old self and putting on Christ’s life), you are one with the Sanctifier, Jesus Christ; He is not ashamed to call me brethren (Heb. 2:11). You have been made complete in Christ (Col. 2:10)

Conclusion

We all want to belong to something, to feel accepted, and have a purpose. As I reflect on the senseless assassination of Charlie Kirk, I can’t help but be in awe of his sense of purpose, passion, and belonging. You may not know much about Charlie, or you may not agree with his political stance. He lived his life with passion and boldness because he belonged to the family of God and believed in the conservative movement, which gave him purpose and power to stand against great danger and opposition. He invited people to join him and be a part of his conservative Christian movement. People felt they belonged because they were accepted, and as a result, they had the courage to be passionate about their beliefs and the message of hope. Because you belong to the family of God, you have so much to be passionate about. Go and tell others and invite them to belong to the family of God with you.

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My latest book is Unlocking God’s Promises, which explains 18 categories of promises that are relevant to each of our lives. It also includes the promises in Psalm 91.

If you find this website helpful, you would like to read Breaking Mental Strongholds, which expands on my website book and includes many of my posts.

HOW DOES GOD SEE YOU?

Do you sometimes have low self-esteem because of the people you compare yourself to? Do you have a shame-based identity because of what you did or what was done to you? What people have said about us and to us shapes our identity. Experiences shape your identity. When we put our faith in Jesus Christ and receive Him into our hearts, we will then have His identity. However, first, we must put off the wrong beliefs. And put on God’s truth.

Last week, I explained how the lies we believe control how we feel about ourselves. I listed different lies and the truth found in God’s word. To have a new self-image, you first need to put off the lies you believe. For example, when you clean your house, you need to remove the trash and dirt first, to make it look clean and new. The following truth statements are for those who believe in and have received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Repeat the statements on this list and believe these truths about yourself. Let your identity be based on what God says.

I am the salt of the earth (Matt. 5:13) and can preserve and enhance peace and love.

I am the light of the world (Matt. 5:14) and can shine God’s truth and love.

I am a child of God (John 1:12), and I believe and have received Christ into my heart (Eph. 3:17).

I am part of the true vine, a channel of Christ’s life (John 15:1-5), so I can grow the fruit of the Spirit.

I am Christ’s friend (John 15:15), and I trust that He will never leave me and will help me (Heb. 13:5b-6).

I am chosen and appointed by Christ to bear His fruit (John 15:16).

I am a slave of righteousness (Rom. 6:18), and Jesus Christ makes me righteous (1Cor. 5:21).

I am a child of God: God is spiritually my Father (Rom. 8:14-15; Gal. 3:26; 4:6).

I am a joint heir with Christ, sharing His inheritance with Him (Rom. 8:17).

I am a temple, a dwelling place of God. His Spirit and life dwell in me (1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19).

I am united to the Lord and am one spirit with Him (1 Cor. 6:17).

I am a member of Christ’s Body (1 Cor. 12:27; Eph. 5:30) and have His divine power for life and godliness (2Peter 1:3).

I am a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17) and reconciled to God (2 Cor. 5:18; Rom. 5:10).

I am reconciled to God and am a minister of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-19) to share the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.

I am a child of God and one in Christ (Gal. 3:26-28).

I am an heir of God since I am a child of God (Gal. 4:6-7).

I am a saint (Eph. 1:1, 1 Cor. 1:2; Phil.1:1; Col. 1:2).

I am God’s workmanship, His handiwork born anew in Christ to do His work (Eph. 2:10).

I am a fellow citizen with the rest of God’s family (Eph. 2:19).

I am a prisoner of Christ (Eph. 3:1; 4:1).

I am righteous and holy (Eph. 4:24).

I am a citizen of heaven, seated in heaven right now (Phil. 3:20; Eph. 2:6).

I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).

I am an expression of the life of Christ because He is my life (Col. 3:4).

I am chosen of God, holy and dearly loved (Col. 3:12; 1 Thess. 1:4).

I am a child of light and not of darkness (1 Thes. 5:5).

I am a holy partaker of a heavenly calling (Heb. 3:1).

I am a partaker of Christ; I share in His life (Heb. 3:14) and divine nature (2Peter 1:4).

I am one of God’s living stones, being built up in Christ as a spiritual house (1Pet. 2:5).

I am a member of a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession (1 Peter 2:9,10)

I am an alien and a stranger to this world in which I temporarily live (1 Pet. 2:11).

I am an enemy of the devil (1 Pet. 5:8) and can stand firm against his schemes (Eph. 6:11).

I am a child of God, and I will resemble Christ when He returns (1 John 5:18).

Conlusion

Your self-image reflects your mental health. I encourage you to read the above list over the next month to imprint your heart and mind with these truths. Ask God to show you the lies you believe, then put them out of your mind and heart as you put in the above truths. If you need to talk to someone, I am available to talk to you. Contact me through my email.

You can read my other Mental Health posts here.

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My latest book, Unlocking God’s Promises, explains 18 categories of promises that are relevant to each of our lives. It also includes the promises in Psalm 91.

If you find this website helpful, you would like to read Breaking Mental Strongholds, which expands on my website book and includes many of my posts.

EXCHANGE OPPRESSIVE LIES FOR FREEDOM

Do you have thoughts that come to your mind, which remind you of a painful memory, either something you did or said, or something someone else did or said to you? Embarrassing or painful memories recreate oppressive feelings of shame or guilt. You may have been humiliated or neglected, which causes you to feel and believe the lie that you are rejected and unworthy. Whether you realize it or not, painful memories affect who you really are and your destiny. They create unhealthy beliefs about yourself, others, and God that also shape your identity.

The girls in my County Jail Bible Study all have horrible trauma memories that shaped how they see themselves, the world, and God. One girl could not love herself and felt unworthy of being loved. When I asked her about her family, she recalled being left at her grandmother’s house while her parents and other siblings went on vacations or to parks. These actions by her parents reinforced that she was not wanted, and she was not worthy to be loved, but she had very good memories of her grandmother’s love. The painful memories oppressed her greatly and affected how she saw herself and others.

Another girl’s father made her do drugs at ten years old and sell them for him. One can only imagine the other trauma events in her life. Now her father has her daughter while she is in jail, and she says he is still doing drugs. She is very oppressed, knowing what her father did to her, and is now doing to her daughter. She desperately wants to be free from the oppression of being addicted to drugs and the oppression of the painful memories that torment her soul. The other girl’s trauma is too hard to write about, but it has changed her identity, which has changed her destiny. All the girls suffer from the oppression of depression. Jesus came to set them free. There is hope, and I will share it in this post.

Jesus said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” – Luke 4:18

In my previous post, I outlined the six ways to achieve victory. To become free from the oppression of painful thoughts, you first must put off pride, submit to God, claim His promises, and then resist the devil’s lies by specifically putting them out of your mind. James 4:6-8 says, “But he gives more grace. Therefore, it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” ⁷Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

To be free from the oppressive curses the devil, yourself, or others put on you, you must now put off these lies/wrong beliefs and replace them with the truth of God’s word. You can only do this if you are right with God through believing in the death, resurrection, and deity of Jesus Christ and receiving His forgiveness for your sins. If you have not done this, please do it now so you can experience freedom and victory.

Your words have the power to create new thoughts and new responses. As you read the following curses, recall the memory of when that curse was put on you. Read my online book to heal the oppressive trauma memories that control your thoughts and emotions to be totally free. If you feel you have any of these curses, pray to put them off and then put on the right belief and truth, in Jesus’ name.

“I am a victim.”
Instead, say, “I am victorious in Christ Jesus.” Put on the truth: No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:37-39.

“I am worthless.”
Instead, say, “I am worthy because I can live a righteous life through Jesus, and He loves and accepts me.” Put on the truth: So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. ¹²Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. ¹³Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. ¹⁴For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. –Romans 6:11-14.

“I am permanently damaged.”
Instead, say, “Jesus is restoring me, and I am renewing my mind.” Put on the truth: … the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. –1Peter 5:10. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. –2Corinthians 4:16. To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. –Ephesians 4:22-24.

“I am guilty and can’t forgive myself.”
Instead, say, “I am forgiven and cleansed from all unrighteousness.” Put on the truth: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. –1John 1:9.

“I am a rebel and want to disobey.”
Instead, say, “I am victorious over my desire to rebel because I am renewed.” Put on the truth: But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁵⁸Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. –1Cor. 15:57-58.

“I am tempted and can’t overcome.”
Instead, say, “I submit my mind to God and do what is good and right, and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13).” Put on the truth: For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he [Jesus] is able to help those who are being tempted. – Hebrews 2:18. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. ³⁵Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? –Romans 8:34-35. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. –1Corinthians 10:13.

“I am an alcoholic.”
Instead, say, “I am set free from the control alcohol has over me.” Put on the truth: For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. –Galatians 5:1. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. –John 8:36.

“I am an addict.”
Instead, say, “I live for Christ Jesus by faith, not for anything else.” Put on the truth: I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. –Galatians 2:20.

“I am a liar.”
Instead, say, “I have put on my new self and put away the bad habit of lying.” Put on the truth: Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices ¹⁰and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. – Colossians 3:9-10.

“I am an angry person.”
Instead, say, “I can live in peace with those who disappoint me.” Put on the truth: Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. – Hebrews 12:14. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. – Ephesians 4:26-27. Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. – James 1:19-20.

“I am a failure.”
Instead, say, “I am not a failure because Jesus is my helper, and He helps me overcome my obstacles.” Put on the truth: Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, ⁷casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.— 1Peter 5:6-7. And “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33.

“I am afraid and anxious.”
Instead, say, “I know that God is with me and will help me and strengthen me.” Put on the truth: Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. – Matthew. 6:33.

“I am alone and unwanted.”
Instead, say, “I thank the Lord that I can trust his promise to never leave me.” Put on the truth: It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” – Deuteronomy 31:8.

“I am bad and unlovable.”
Instead, say, “I am righteous and loved by God.” Put on the truth: As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. –John 15:9. So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. –Ephesians 3:17-19. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. –2Corinthians 5:21.

“I am hopeless.”
Instead, say, “My hope is in God and I trust that He keeps His promises.” Put on the truth: For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. ⁵Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? –1John 5:4-5. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? ²⁵But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. – Romans 8:24-25.

“I am stupid.”
Instead, say, “I have the mind of Christ, and I can make wise decisions.” Put on the truth: For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. –1 Corinthians 2:16. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. –Proverbs 2:6.

“I should not have been born. I am better off dead.”
Instead, say, “God gives my life purpose.” Put on the truth: Psalm 139:14-18 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. ¹⁵My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. ¹⁶Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. ¹⁷How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! ¹⁸If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.

Conclusion

You will need to heal the memory that created the curse you believe about yourself to remove the foothold for Satan to oppress you. You may have to put off the curse several times and put on the right belief and truth to permanently erase the oppressive curse and be completely free of it. Satan does not give in easily, so continue to submit your mind to God and resist the devil by applying God’s truth to your heart. God’s word promises that the devil will flee from you. You can hurry him along by commanding him to leave you alone in Jesus’ name. Sometimes we give the devil the right to oppress us because of our sin and painful memories, so those need to be removed to experience freedom from the devil’s oppressive lies. Remember to put on the armor of God every day by reading Ephesians 6:10-18.

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My latest book is Unlocking God’s Promises, which explains 18 categories of promises that are relevant to each of our lives. It also includes the promises in Psalm 91.

If you find this website helpful, you would like to read Breaking Mental Strongholds, which expands on my website book and includes many of my posts.

SIX STEPS TO GO FROM VICTIMIZED TO VICTORIOUS

Why do bad things happen to good people? Why does God allow children to be hurt by wicked people? Have you ever asked those questions or wondered in your heart? I just finished reading the story about Job, who was unfairly targeted. David, Daniel, and Jesus Christ are also examples of how the devil influenced individuals to harm them. They all had to go through the bad situation, yet in the end, God blessed them for being faithful to Him.

What about the Christians killed by terrorists or a gunman? Why didn’t God protect or rescue them? These are the questions we need to grapple with, because many people do not come to faith in Jesus Christ or leave the faith due to a tragic issue that can’t be explained. Everyone has been a victim in one form or another. Satan wants everyone to doubt that God is good and that He can’t be trusted. Satan tries to warp your perception of God and make you angry at Him, just like he did with Job. Job 2:3 explains, “And the LORD said to Satan, ‘Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil? He still holds fast his integrity, although you incited me against him to destroy him without reason.’”

Satan is our accuser, too. Read Ephesians 6:10-18. The Apostle Paul explains in Ephesians 6:11-12, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹²For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

Not everything can be blamed on Satan; often, our sinful desires lead us into disastrous situations that cause us pain and suffering. But know that Satan also entices us based on our sinful desires. Ephesians 2:1-3 states, “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.”

How Job Was Victorious Over the Evil Events.

Satan first got permission from God to afflict Job to make him falter in his faith (Job 1:10-12). God granted Satan his request to test Job’s faith. After Satan caused fire to destroy his crops, a windstorm to kill his children, and raiders to steal his wealth, Job still blessed the name of the Lord. Job 1:22 states, “In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.” Job kept a positive view after losing all his children and wealth, then Satan asked God’s permission to cause physical suffering. This was when Job got depressed and laments the day he was born and hopes for the day he dies (Job 3). His wife encouraged him to curse God, and he said to his wife, “Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity? In all this, Job did not sin with his lips (Job 2:10). Job got depressed and laments the day he was born and hopes for the day he dies (Job 3). His three friends said he had sinned, which was why God allowed all these calamities; yet Job could not recall any time he had sinned. He questions God. Job 13:23 states, “How many are my iniquities and my sins? Make me know my transgression and my sin.”

Job found comfort in God’s word. Job 23:10-12 states, “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. 11) My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. 12) I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.” Job valued God’s words more than food. Do you desire to know God’s words and to know His promises more than you desire food? Will God find you to be pure like gold after your faith is tested? Will you commit to holding fast to God and keeping His ways during your trials?

In Job 42:4-10, Job repents of his sin for questioning God and challenging Him to answer him. Then God rebuked Job’s three friends, who had unjustly accused him of sinning and of not speaking the truth about God. Job then prayed for his three friends and forgave them so God would not deal with them according to their folly. After Job prayed for them, God restored Job’s losses and gave him twice as much as he had before.

Six steps to go from Victim to Victory

Give up your pride to be humble (James 4:6 & 10; Ps. 147:6; Prov. 11:2; and 1Peter 5:5). Humility is thinking less about yourself (not selfish or self-seeking). A prideful person does not consider what is good to God, others, or themselves. Often, when we are victimized, we become prideful; either we choose not to love to avoid being hurt again, or we have low self-esteem and desire people’s approval and do things that perpetuate our pain.
Submit yourself to God (James 4:7a). Trust that God is sovereign and all-knowing. Additionally, submission is an act of obeying God’s commands. My parents and my first husband were church-going Christians, but because they did not submit to God and obey His commands, I was a victim of their unloving, abusive behavior. When I submitted to God’s command to forgive those who hurt me and resist the devil’s enticement to hold a grudge and be bitter, I became victorious over the control of those who hurt me.
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7b). Resist through prayer, praise, and holding fast to God’s truth. Most of all, obey God’s command to love Him and others, and Satan will flee. I had to resist the self-serving desire to close my heart to loving others as God loves them.
Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you (James 4:8a). Draw near with love and through prayer, trusting that He loves you. When you’re faced with a difficult problem, call out to God for help.

1Peter 5:6-9 states, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. ⁸Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. ⁹Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.”

Repent of your sins (James 4:8b & 1John 1:9). Sin separates you from God, and He will not hear your prayers (Is. 59:2). Review 1Corinthians 13:4-7 and Colossians 3:5-15 to see if you love others as God commands and are resisting the devil’s temptations to sin against others because of the hurtful things done to you. To overcome the trauma of the painful memories of those who sinned against you, work through my website book. When the painful memories are healed, then Satan can’t torment you through them or use them to entice you to sin.
Purify your heart so you don’t have a double mind (James 4:8, Matt. 5:8, & 1Peter 1:22). Matthew 5:8 states, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” “Put off” the sins and critical, wrong beliefs about yourself, God, and others, forgive them, then “put on” how God sees you and the truth about God, yourself, and others. Being abused or victimized creates soul wounds that need to be healed to have a pure heart. Read Five Steps to Heal Your Heart and Purify Your Soul. My web-book will also help you to purify your heart and soul. Our lack of understanding of who God is creates thoughts of doubt and insecurity. We think God does not care about us, and we see ourselves as being unworthy. As children, we may have been victimized by someone who was in authority over us or who should have protected and loved us but didn’t.

Conclusion

Why do bad things happen to good people? Why does God allow children to be hurt by wicked people? Unfortunately, Satan is the ruler of this world (1John 5:19 & 2Timothy 2:26). He is determined to destroy as many people as he can and to prevent them from being followers of God. God allows him to test our faith so that we can have a pure devotion to God, as Job did. God warns the church of Smyrna in Revelation 2:10, “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” We all must suffer while on this earth, but I encourage you to hold fast to your faith and devotion to God and resist Satan’s attempt to cause you to doubt God. You may feel shame from being victimized; if you do, then read Eliminate Depression with Self-love and God’s Love.

I am praying for you and ask God to bless you despite the trials you may be facing or will face. Remember, to “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. –James 1:2-4.

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My latest book, Unlocking God’s Promises, explains 18 categories of promises that are relevant to each of our lives. It also includes the promises in Psalm 91.

If you find this website helpful, you would like to read Breaking Mental Strongholds, which expands on my website book and includes many of my posts.

TRANSFORM REBELLION WITH LOVE

What causes a child or adult to rebel against those in authority at home, school, or church? Rebellion is to be in opposition. At one time in our lives, we were rebellious, either against our parents’ rules, societal norms, or church morals. Teenagers are known for their rebellious spirit, mainly because they want to be independent. Rebellion is a sin according to God’s Word. Do you sometimes live independently of God?

What Does the Bible Say About Rebellion?

Proverbs 17:11a states, “An evil man seeks only rebellion.”

Jeremiah 33:8, God said, “I will cleanse them from all the guilt of their sin against me, and I will forgive all the guilt of their sin and rebellion against me.”

Hebrews 3:15 explains, “As it is said, ‘Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.’”

Romans 2:5 warns, “But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.”

Do you have a rebellious spirit? The Israelite people rebelled against God, even though they knew He loved them and led them out of bondage in Egypt and through the Red Sea on dry ground. God did so many miracles for the people of Israel, yet they rebelled against Him and disobeyed His commands. This was because of their sinful nature and because they did not love God. This broke and still breaks God’s heart. He wants to give you good things and bless you, but only if you love and obey Him. The Apostle Paul wrote that those who are self-seeking do not obey. Romans 2:8, “but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.”

The Bible is clear that we will have troubles in this world (John 16:33), and we will go through trials (James 1:2), but often our disobedience brings us troubles and trials. When the Israelites disobeyed, God let other nations cause them troubles and hardships to discipline them. When they repented and returned to God, He sent someone to deliver them. The book of Judges describes this cycle. Do you love God and obey Him?

How Obedience is Love.

Children who love their parents will obey them. So what causes a child to not love their parents and rebel? One reason is the sinful nature in the child, which needs loving discipline to guide them in right behavior. The second reason is resentment towards their parents, which causes them not to trust that their parents have their best interests at heart. My psychology course calls it Obstinate Defiance Disorder, Conduct Disorder, or Oppositional Defiance Disorder. Most behavior problems begin with disappointment when expectations are not met. Neglecting the child will create trust issues, leading to Obstinate Defiance issues. Psychotherapy that heals painful memories of disappointment will help the child to deal with the disappointment in a healthy way. Often, teenagers don’t feel loved by their parents, so they choose not to love their parents and rebel against their rules. Why did you rebel against your parents?

We show that we love God by obeying Him. John 14:15 states, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” 1John 3:23 explains, “And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.” Patience and kindness are evidence of love (1Cor.13:4). When we love others, we are right with God because we love as He loves. John 15:12-14 states, “This is my commandment that you love one another as I have loved you. ¹³ Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life [selfish pride] for his friends. ¹⁴ You are my friends if you do what I command you.” Also, 1John 4:8 states, “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

Conclusion

Rebellion shows that our sinful nature still controls our lives. When we repent and reject sin and evil, it shows that we love and fear God and want to obey Him. What does the Bible say about the fear of the Lord?

Proverbs 8:13, “The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.”

Proverbs 16:6, “By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil.”

Proverbs 19:23, “The fear of the LORD leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.”

Proverbs 22:4, “The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life.”

If you feel you have a spirit of rebellion and want to live independently of God, ask Him to take the rebellious spirit from you and to give you a heart of humility to obey Him.

WHY HEAL YOUR HEART AND PURIFY YOUR SOUL?

The Link Between Disappointment, Resentment, and Self-control

Why Should I Forgive?

THE GREATEST PRINCIPLE TO LIVE BY

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My latest book, Unlocking God’s Promises, explains 18 categories of promises relevant to each of our lives. It also includes the promises in Psalm 91.

If you find this website helpful, you would like to read Breaking Mental Strongholds, which expands on my website book and includes many of my posts.

HOW TO REPLACE SADNESS WITH REJOICING

What makes you sad? I was addicted to sadness because that was all I knew growing up. When I say addicted to sadness, I would make up something to be sad about that wasn’t real. I would get so depressed about something that did not happen except in my mind. Read Breaking Emotional Addictions to learn how I overcame this addiction. You can be addicted to other emotions as well. Some people want to feel good all the time, which leads to pleasure addictions.

What is Sadness?

Sadness is pervasive in our society. There is so much to be sad about. Sadness is a feeling of sorrow about a loss, which could be someone else’s loss. Sadness is a feeling of dejection from some form of rejection, even perceived rejection. Dejection is a low spirit, like melancholy, depression, or discouragement. It is the opposite of gladness, which is a happy and joyful attitude.

You have heard of the saying that some people see the glass half empty, which is why they are pessimistic and sad, or someone sees the glass half full, and is optimistic and happy. Which are you most of the time? We all have moments where we are happy or sad, but where do your thoughts dwell for most of the day, especially when you are by yourself? Do you feel you need to escape your thoughts by watching YouTube videos?

What Influences Your Emotions?

What do you allow to influence how you feel? Have you noticed that grateful people tend to be genuinely happier people? I have a friend who sees the negative in everything, and even when people are kind to her, she can’t see it or be thankful because they are not kind enough. Are you a grateful person? Some people see the good in others and show appreciation. Appreciative people show happiness for what others do or say, and it makes the other person feel valued and happy. We all want to feel valued. Do you show appreciation?

I have another friend who allows the news and her family to dictate how she feels about our political environment, which affects all aspects of her life. People who allow others to influence their feelings and attitudes have given up self-control of their thoughts and emotions. They internalize the negative energy of other people and their negative views and comments. Do you know people like this? These people are very sad.

The Power of Thoughts

Many of us are unaware of the power of our thoughts and the words of others, and how they influence our feelings and actions. Only you can control your thoughts. Negative thoughts make you sad or mad, and positive thoughts make you happy or grateful. What generates your thoughts? Is it a positive influence on your emotions or a negative influence?

Social media is known to be a negative influence, making people depressed. If you feel depressed by watching the news or viewing social media, then stop taking in the negative influence. If your friends and family are always negative, then limit your time with them. Negative energy increases your stress hormones, which affects your health and causes an imbalance in neurotransmitter connections in the brain. Negative thoughts lower both your serotonin and dopamine levels, which leads to depression and anxiety.

Replacing Sadness with Rejoicing.

We know that our thoughts control how we feel. Hebrews 10:5 tells us to take our thoughts captive and make them obey Jesus Christ, who is God. God forgives and is love, joy, peace, patient, kind, good, gentle, faithful, and self-controlled. If something sad happens, or something makes you mad, take those thoughts captive, pray, and give the negative thought to God, then rejoice and be thankful for something. Once, I was in a situation that made me angry, so I took the thought captive and gave the situation to God, then asked Him to give me patience and kindness. Next, I tried to think of something to be thankful for, so I said I am thankful that I am not a leper in India. I had just heard the story of how bad the conditions are in India for those with leprosy. Changing my perspective about my current situation helped me feel happy again. I was also able to respond with grace and kindness to the person who made me sad. Read Practicing Healthy Conflicts – an Example.

Philippians 4:6 states, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” By praying to God about our situation, you are taking the thought captive. Making supplication is petitioning God for a desired outcome. Being thankful is acknowledging that you are trusting God to work out the situation for good or in accordance with a promise He made. When we thankfully give God all our cares and concerns, we will be filled with peace and joy.

The Apostle Paul also tells us what our thoughts need to be in Philippians 4:8, “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.” These are the thoughts we should meditate on and put out all other thoughts. If your mind dwells on these things, then you won’t be sad or mad.

Philippians 3:1 and 4:4 tell us to rejoice in the Lord, that is, to be glad and delight in what He has done for us and for His promises. Worship is part of rejoicing and being thankful. When we stay in a state of worship, then we will continually be filled with joy.

To change your thoughts, review the following posts.

POSTS on Thoughts

365 DAYS OF WORSHIP

POSTS about God’s Promises

FREEDOM POSTS

12 Joy Stealers

Truth Statements to Dwell on.

I choose to stay focused on God and receive His love and joy. John 17:13; 15:11

I choose to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and be thankful in every circumstance because this is the will of God in Christ Jesus. 1 Thes. 5:16-18

The God of hope fills me with joy and peace as I believe, and I will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Rom. 15:13; 5:3-5

The joy of the Lord is my strength. Neh. 8:10

Being in the presence of God through prayer and praise gives me joy. And He leads me down the path of life and abundance. Ps. 16:11

Nothing has power over me unless I allow it. I choose to rejoice always and not be anxious about anything, but continually give my concerns to God. Phil. 4:4-7

Joy is knowing that even the demons are subject to Jesus’s name, and I am protected from evil. Luke 10:17; 1 Jn. 5:18; Jn. 17:15; 2 Thes. 3:3

I find joy in believing the truths of the Word of God. John 15:11; Mk. 4:16

I can have joy despite my circumstances, knowing happiness depends on circumstances. I can be thankful even when life is hard because I am becoming complete and lacking nothing. James 1:2-3

A joyful heart is good medicine, and I will focus on God and not my circumstances. Prov. 17:22

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My latest book, Unlocking God’s Promises, explains 18 categories of promises relevant to each of our lives. It also includes the promises in Psalm 91.

If you find this website helpful, you would like to read Breaking Mental Strongholds, which expands on my website book and includes many of my posts.