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"When you're in for a slump, you're not in for much fun. Unslumping yourself is not easily done." Dr. Suess
What's your impression? Are we in for a recession or a depression? Does it matter? I am of the opinion that all that matters is your impression. A recession or a depression is a matter of impression. As children of God we are not to be too concerned about the economy of the world. Our wellbeing is a matter of our mindset. But, how do we change our mindset? We are in need of some slump busters.
Matthew 6:25-34 "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? "So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
"Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
That last sentence I am more than inclined to agree with, "Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Learning to trust the Lord in the midst of difficulty seems to be the order of the day at times. I have learned that if we approach each day like children or sheep, trusting Him to lead us through into the light, we will always eventually find green pastures. As a nation, we have been blessed with more abundance than any nation on earth; this will continue as we trust in Him. As individuals, we must cultivate gratitude and allow His Word to unslump us in the midst of a slump.
Seeking first His Kingdom simply means to look to Him, rather than looking at the problem. We must be realistic enough to face the problem, yes, but then we must be assured that the problem has an answer, and in seeking Him, the answer will come. "When you think about a problem over and over in your mind," writes Rick Warren in The Purpose Driven Life, "that's called worry. When you think about God's Word over and over in your mind, that's meditation. "If you know how to worry, you already know how to meditate. Just switch your attention from your problems to Bible verses."
What is a slump? We learn in Ephesians 4 of people who walk in the futility of their own minds, having their understanding darkened. I think this pretty well sums up a slump, to live with a futile mind set, to allow worry to control our actions and our deeds.A slump is basically walking in darkness with no hope of things getting better. The answer, we are told, is to be renewed in the spirit of our minds. The only way to renew the mind is to meditate on the Word of God. The bible is full of rich promises and rewards too numerous to contemplate over the course of a day, week, a month, or even a year. These slump busters will propel us from the darkness into the light..
If you find yourself in a slump, contrary to the opening statement, unslumping yourself is not that difficult. Take a timeout, pray to a God who cares, choose some slump busters, and renew your mind with His Word. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2
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Jay Hopson is currently living in Amarillo, Texas. A former pastor and Christian counselor, he now aspires to become a freelance writer. His articles come from the heart and are not for everyone, but he writes that which must be written."His Word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot." Joshua 20:9
this was well written and interesting. it's funny, my divorce trial was supposed to be tomorrow, but it got canceled, and all the stories i've read today have to do with positivity and Faith. God has lowered His hand to us many times during the last 17 months, when we had nothing. i am a believer, and was so before, i was just Blessed to get proof. when we didn't have a dime, a card from a relative would come with money, etc. it's overwhelming and comforting at the same time. thanks for sharing. you're writing is superb.
All great stuff if only the phone would stop wringing 18 times a day 7 days a week. I haven't yet performed getting money from the air but I'm working on it. Yes why worry, theres always tomarrow, maybe? Good job.
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