"Look at ME" ~ Jesus
Lately, I've realized the first place my brain tends to go is to my "problem". It's like a built-in default setting. Whatever is in the front of my mind gets my full attention: How do I solve this problem? What if the worst thing I can imagine becomes my reality? What are we having for supper? Ultimate and mundane issues alike vie for my attention, and they all have one thing in common: I can't do anything about them in the present moment. I guess that's what so disturbing about them--there seems to be no solution in sight, or I have no control over the outcome.
The "Problem" is Not the Problem
Jumping through mental hoops to come up with answers for the unanswerable questions is how our brains try to make sense of reality, but these gymnastics don't yield answers, peace, or joy. If we allow our thoughts to continue to their natural conclusion, we end up with anxiety, depression, disappointment, disillusionment, and potentially despair.
We are creatures, not the creator, and that very fact means we are dependent beings, ill-equipped for ultimate problem solving. When we step out of our role as children of God and into the role of masters of our lives, we are making idols of ourselves. We need supernatural help!
Enter the Problem-Solver
It takes a lot of intentional practice to change our habit from worry (or "problem-solving") to trust. It takes a change of belief (repentance) to put our faith into real-life practice. If we say we believe in God, and we say we believe He is all-powerful, why do we continue to try to solve our own problems?
How would it be if our first resort was to shift our focus from the problem, to Jesus? He invites us to give our problems to Him (Matthew 11:28-29) so that we can have peace and rest. Our "job" is to walk with Him and let Him do the heavy lifting. Consider these:
Say I'm trying to "figure out" a strategy for my future. I have this mental diagram showing the timeline, expenditure of resources, and desired result. Suddenly, the Holy Spirit reminds me that I have very few responsibilities (Micah 6:8), and that my greatest need is to follow Jesus (John 21:22) and emulate Him as He emulates His Father (John 8:29). I can ask Him, "Jesus, what do you want me to do about __________ right now?" and trust that He will direct my path. I lay aside my personal plans, because His way is restful and wise. He has the answers, and I don't see the big picture. He knows the way, and I'm just too limited.
I'll admit, this is a rather new thing for me, and I don't have it mastered. However, what I can do when my brain is hijacked by some urgency or fantasy, is listen to the Holy Spirit as He reminds me, "Look at Jesus."
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©2022 Julianne Knapp. First published 10.11.22
The "Problem" is Not the Problem
Jumping through mental hoops to come up with answers for the unanswerable questions is how our brains try to make sense of reality, but these gymnastics don't yield answers, peace, or joy. If we allow our thoughts to continue to their natural conclusion, we end up with anxiety, depression, disappointment, disillusionment, and potentially despair.
We are creatures, not the creator, and that very fact means we are dependent beings, ill-equipped for ultimate problem solving. When we step out of our role as children of God and into the role of masters of our lives, we are making idols of ourselves. We need supernatural help!
Enter the Problem-Solver
It takes a lot of intentional practice to change our habit from worry (or "problem-solving") to trust. It takes a change of belief (repentance) to put our faith into real-life practice. If we say we believe in God, and we say we believe He is all-powerful, why do we continue to try to solve our own problems?
- We've heard, "God gave you a brain to figure things out!"
- We save God for the "big" stuff in life, not the mundane
- We feel pressured to perform
- We feel irresponsible for not doing something
How would it be if our first resort was to shift our focus from the problem, to Jesus? He invites us to give our problems to Him (Matthew 11:28-29) so that we can have peace and rest. Our "job" is to walk with Him and let Him do the heavy lifting. Consider these:
- Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2)
- Look to Me and be saved, all you ends of the earth! (Isaiah 45:22)
Say I'm trying to "figure out" a strategy for my future. I have this mental diagram showing the timeline, expenditure of resources, and desired result. Suddenly, the Holy Spirit reminds me that I have very few responsibilities (Micah 6:8), and that my greatest need is to follow Jesus (John 21:22) and emulate Him as He emulates His Father (John 8:29). I can ask Him, "Jesus, what do you want me to do about __________ right now?" and trust that He will direct my path. I lay aside my personal plans, because His way is restful and wise. He has the answers, and I don't see the big picture. He knows the way, and I'm just too limited.
I'll admit, this is a rather new thing for me, and I don't have it mastered. However, what I can do when my brain is hijacked by some urgency or fantasy, is listen to the Holy Spirit as He reminds me, "Look at Jesus."
Subscribe to free weekly articles in your inbox HERE; your information will never be shared. :-)
©2022 Julianne Knapp. First published 10.11.22