Shaken not Stirred

2 Cor. 4:8 "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair," 
Psa 34:1 " I will bless The Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth." 

          Have you ever had trouble? Have you ever had pain? Have you ever cried? Have you experienced complete devastation? Many of you most likely will answer yes to all three of these and then some. I know I can attest to plenty even though I am young. Being honest some of which came from my own doing and lack of listening to Wise Counsel God so lovingly gives me through His Spirit. In spite of all of my troubles and pain I realize how things are not as bad as I think. Why? Because I acknowledge that my God, The One I talk to, cry to, and learn from is in complete control! The human mind is very interesting. One of the reasons I am desiring to finish school in psychology. Getting back on topic, the way we live is shaped by the way we think. The way we think is shaped by what is imported into our brains. Unknowingly we retrieve bits and pieces of information every day. I always wondered when I was younger, why older people and my family encouraged me to read The Bible each day. Getting older, I definitely appreciate and understand the wisdom they were trying to teach me. What we allow our minds to digest, is distributed through us which shapes our character and is basically working to form who we are as people. It is a process and over time we can sort of tell what a person has been feeding their brain as to why they have certain character traits and behavior patterns. The other portion is probably genetic. I know you all may be wondering why in the world is Marissa talking about the human mind? I will answer that!

          Paul and many others in the text were going through some real problems. Their lives were literally on the line preaching The Gospel of Jesus Christ. Although they went through detrimental situations, they never lost their mind! Why?! Because their mind was stayed on Jesus! No not 24/7, but a good bit of it! If we feed our mind more of God's Word, spend more time talking to Him instead of the street committee then we too can be confident in our own trials and not complaining like the world. Then we have the bro David, who also had a tough time, but still declares The Goodness of Jesus! By stating no matter the state, God DESERVES my praise! That's powerful thinking people. Even going through my current trials, I can honestly say I have been shaken not stirred. Meaning through it all I'm STILL here. I have been hit, but God's Hand never left me. We are unable in our imperfect minds to see any good in trying times in our lives. That is why we drink, smoke, party, shoot up, and whatever else to escape or cope with life. But  through Jesus Christ Blood that was shed on The Cross we are able if we choose to accept to tap into this same mind frame. That's why Paul suggested to let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. Jesus mind stayed on His Purpose and He did not allow minor mishaps to detour Him. Same thing I must do, you must do, we must do to not look at the bad, but stay focused on our purpose. Don't know your purpose? Pray to God about it. Not just one time or for two seconds, but sincerely talk to God because without a purpose we will be unable to overcome life's obstacles. That's how David and Paul made it through. They knew what their purpose was in life. So keep in mind trouble will only effect what we allow it to effect! Yes, we will be devastated at times, confused, hurt, and frustrated, but we have The Power to overcome those emotions by digesting The Goodness of God's Word which will produce thoughts that brings LIFE to a seemingly dead situation! Enjoy your weekend 😄