With American life systematically shutting down, it’s easy to get “low.” We think negative, we talk negative, we spread negativity.
How do you get your mind thinking “up” when the whole world is “down?”
The Jewish pilgrims went up three times a year to Jerusalem. They wrote 15 Psalms for their journey called the “Psalms of Ascent.” They were geographically going “up” because Jerusalem was on a mountain.
We, however, can apply them to our “higher level thinking.” Let’s read a few of those Psalms and apply them to our current situation:
1. “The Lord is my KEEPER” (Ps. 121: 5)
Think about God as your Guardian, your Protector, your “Keeper.” You live “under the shadow of the Almighty” (Ps. 91). He who “keeps” you never sleeps.
2. “The Lord is my PEACE” (Ps. 122: 6)
Peace is a Person. God is called the “Prince of Peace.” The Jewish pilgrims said, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem,” and we need to do the same for our family, our city, and our nation.
3. “My EYES are on the Lord” (Ps. 123: 1)
When all you do is look at social media, news broadcasts, and closed businesses, it can sometimes get discouraging.
“Lift up your eyes” to where “God is enthroned in the heavens.” My father used to calm me with the phrase, “God has not fallen off the throne!”
4. “The Lord is on my SIDE” (Ps. 124: 1)
Last month I saw a 365 pound lineman run 40 yards in under 5 seconds at the NFL Combine. How would you like to step out into HIS path?
Think of God as an All-Powerful, Omnipotent, All-Knowing FORCE who is “on your side!” No power has any power when compared to His power.
5. “I cannot be MOVED” (Ps. 125: 1)
“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mt. Zion, which cannot be moved…”. I was recently in Portland, Oregon and was stunned looking out my window at the majestic Mt. Hood.
When you trust in the Lord, THAT’S YOU! He makes you as immovable as a mighty mountain.
6. “I can LAUGH in adversity” (Ps. 126: 2)
Depression steal our joy, our laughter, our “sparkle.”
“Then our mouth was filled with laughter and our tongue with shouts of joy.” Be intentional to keep your sense of humor and a happy perspective in your family and your home.
7. “I can SLEEP well” (Ps. 127: 2)
“He gives to His beloved sleep.”
When we are down with cares and anxieties, the first thing it affects is our sleep. We toss and turn, fitfully waking up and meditating on all the negative thoughts we have had.
Let God give you perfect, deep, undisturbed sleep!
8. “My FAMILY is safe” (Ps. 128: 3)
“Your wife will be like a fruitful vine, your children will be like olive plants around your table.”
Don’t continually worry about the safety of your spouse and children. Take the necessary precautions, but turn their protection over to the Lord.
Think on these 8 thoughts. Speak them out loud so your faith will build.
GOD IS IN CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE, NOT A VIRUS.
