The “What Ifs” of Life

 

Do you ever find that you “self” talk consists of a lot of “what ifs”?  What if this happens or what if that happens?  Maybe you are like me and most of your “what if” scenarios tend to be on the negative side.  These thoughts can produce worry, doubt, anxiety, and even at times fear.

You’ve heard the saying,

“Hope for the best, plan for the worst”

Lee Child  

 

This seemed to be my motto and this type of thinking helped me in my career but didn’t seem to work so well in my personal life, and it does not seem to have any place in my spiritual life.

 

The joy of our life is rooted in the quality of our thoughts.  

 

Could this be true? If my thoughts are all negative, what type of life will I live? I don’t know about you but I want a life filled with love, delight, joy and peace. I don’t believe the road to this life is paved with worry, doubt, anxiety and fear.

 

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”

Proverbs 23:7

 

Does God ever speak to you in unexpected ways?  When I am least expecting it, God’s message comes through loud and clear. My son recently became obssesed with books about monsters so when I saw a monster book on sale, I ordered it and didn’t give it much more thought.

The day came and “Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster” arrived and it was met with much delight by my two happy toddlers.  I had no idea that this book would speak to me in such a deep and profound way.

Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster by Michelle Nelson – Schmidt

 

The story is filled with rhymes, adventure and colorful excitement and it reminded me of the importance of renewing our mind daily, taking our wayward thoughts captive and living in the goodness of God in ALL seasons.

 

What if our “what ifs” weren’t negative but instead propelled us to see all circumstances from a new perspective?  What if our  “what ifs” didn’t lead us to doubt, worry, anxiety or fear and instead lead us to faith, joy, delight and love?

What if when a door of opportunity closes, we do not dwell on the closed door but instead look for all the possibilities of new open doors.

 

Graham Cooke Audio Study:

 

Reflection: What if every problem becomes a possibitliy?

 

WHAT IF . . .

 

Is this possible?  Can we shift our negative “what ifs” to positive “what ifs”?  Philippians 4 has the key for us to start this journey.

“Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].”

Philippians 4:8 AMP

 

Today, I am taking up the challenge to shift my focus to all that is excellent and all that is worthy of praise and when the “Whatif” Monster returns (because we known he will) I am going to stand my ground because a life filled with love, delight, joy and peace is worth the fight.

 

I am so thankful that you are here and a part of this study.

 

Many Blessings,

 

Misty