June 15th
June 15th
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Just a reminder this verse says IN all circumstances, not FOR all circumstances. When we give thanks IN all circumstances this physically changes the way our brains handle the stress of the situation. When you can stand in the middle of the mess and thank God for being God, your brain learns from that and routes the signals through different pathways that make you more resilient and better at handling stress. Our brain has to be trained to handle things the way we want it to (or better yet, the way God wants us to handle it.) Turns out there is a reason Romans 12:2 is worded the way it is!
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
We are changed/transformed as our minds are renewed, and not just figuratively but also physically! So there may be more to the wisdom of Jesus than we initially understand. When He asks us to turn the other cheek or pray for our enemies, it is not being weak or nonconfrontational, it is training our brains to handle things differently which affects every future situation not just that one. It can be hard to respond the way Jesus wants us to when we face rude people or enemies, but it may be easier if we can remember the big picture in the moment. Perhaps putting our anger or hurt on the altar and thinking, “I am being transformed right now as God is renewing my brain” will help us rise above the moment and do the right thing in His eyes.
Only He knows where our minds need to be a month from now, a year from now or a day from now. If we trust Him with our brains and let Him rewire them so that we are transformed then we can be made into who He needs us to be for future situations.
-Not to mention the health benefits of this transformation. Lower stress means lower cortisol levels which affects every single body process you can think of and means healthier all the way around.
Jesus, you know everything about me, you know what I need and what I need to leave behind. Help me to Rejoice always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances. Help me to do what you would do in the situations that I face. Help me to pray for my enemies and bless those who treat me wrongly. Thank you for your patience with me, help me to let go of wanting to be right and demanding to be treated right and help me to remember that what matters is that YOU treat me right and You know best.