Chapter Four

Chapter Four dealt with the emotions of shame and depression and the life changing necessity of renewing our minds. As Sheila Harper points out on page 54 it is imperative that in order to renew our minds we must consistently study and meditate on God's Word. By internalizing and believing in our hearts the truths in God's Word we can rid ourselves of the shame statements of "I'm worthless", "I don't deserve to be forgiven", "There's no hope for me" and "I've made too many mistakes". One of my own shame statements were "I'm more sinful than David or Paul". All these statements are lies of Satan's and pull us away from the one who loves us most and who sacrificed the most for us. We dishonor Him by persisting in these negative beliefs that weigh us down. As Sheila Harper says on page 55, close the door on Satan, take these negative thoughts captive, throw them away.
We also discussed depression and the importance of remembering God when we are downcast. He is there to comfort us. Remember, "The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit". Psalm 34:18. Our group discussed strategies to counteract episodes of depression with getting into God's Word being primary, involving yourself in a community group or bible study, a benevolence activity, exercise, activity with a close friend, phone call to a special friend or relative. What I found particularly helpful for myself was I made a list of the people in my life who needed prayer. It had about 15 to 20 names. Throughout the day or in one sitting I would take my list and pray either in detail or not, for each individual on the list. In doing so, I was taking the focus off of myself and blessing someone else. I think God saw favor in this and helped lift those time of feeling down for me. Sometimes we focus so inward we miss those around us and God's special messages for us.
The third emotion we were to choose ourselves. The others in the group couldn't think of an emotion, but fear was an emotion we all agreed was one in which we had experienced. Personally, I had a fear of God's punishment, fear he would take my daughter away because of the sin of abortion. The verses that come to mind that a contradict this fear are this, "God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." 1John 4:16b-18. Verse 16b says God is love. God loves us. God disciplines. We know we sinned and have asked for forgiveness. By God's grace and mercy our sins have been washed clean through the blood of Christ's sacrifice. Our sin of abortion has been forgiven. Those who are disciplined by God are those that don't see their abortion as sin in their life. The fact that we recognized and confess our sin no longer has need for discipline. God is a good Father who loves us.
The steps we can take to get these emotions under control are read God's Word, meditate, visualize, repeat God's Word; take captive negative thoughts and close the door on Satan and pray.
The first scripture we reviewed was Titus 3:3-7 to give us a perspective of what our thoughts can be focused on rather than those negative thoughts. After we capture those negative thoughts and discard them, think of this, "At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life." No, we don't deserve it, but because of the love of our God and the blood of Jesus we are given mercy and washed clean. Because we accept and love our Lord the Holy Spirit lives in us and we can ignite this Holy Spirit through prayer, listening when He convicts us, and following when He prompts us. Our rewards are growing closer to the Holy Spirit, increasing discernment of God's Word and awesome views of eternal life. Imagine your favorite day, walking along the surf, a view of the Grand Canyon, or perhaps a walk in the woods with wild life. You feel physically 100%, no sadness, no tears, no shame, no guilt, happy beyond words. Now imagine Jesus Christ walking right beside you and call this place Heaven. This is just my small view of eternal life. I'm sure there are no words in the english language to adequately describe it. Maybe you can make up your own view of paradise with our Lord and meditate on that whenever you throw away the negative.
The second scripture we reviewed was 2 Chronicles 33:1-20, please read. Manasseh was King of Judah and reigned for 55 years. He committed many sins against the Lord. He built altars and asherah poles to the Baals and worshipped them, he bowed down and worshipped the starry hosts, he built altars in the temple of the Lord, he took carved images he made and placed them in God's temple AND he sacrificed his sons in the fire in the Valley of Ben Hinnom. He also led the people of Judah to sin. The Lord spoke to Manasseh, but he ignored him so the Lord sent the Assyrians and captured him. In verse 12 Manasseh "sought the favor of the Lord his God and humbled himself" and in verse 13 "the Lord was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea". Manasseh was probably one of the most sinful kings to ever lead Judah. He put a carved image in God's temple! But God was merciful, in spite of Manaseh's numerous sins, and heard his prayer. God hears our prayers too and is moved by our pleas, just as He was for Manasseh's. You are forgiven! You need to reach that realization and embrace the compassion God has for you. Internalize the love and forgiveness God has for you and you'll feel empowered as Manasseh did to turn Judah around. You'll feel empowered, loved and free at last from the bondage of guilt, shame and fear that Satan holds you in. All you have to do is accept the essence of God, His love.
Other scriptures to read are: Isaiah 61:7, Isaiah 54:4, Psalm 25:20, Romans 7.