The Hamster Wheel

Image Credit: © Alexander Limbach via Dreamstime

For the past week or so, my thoughts have been all over the place. I haven't really had anything to write. That always bothers me. Then, the phrase "Focus and filter" came to mind. I thought, That is exactly what I need to do!

Instead of letting questions and frustrations swirl around in my head, I need to stay focused. Today I choose to focus on what I am grateful for. I am going to focus on the fact that my basic needs are provided for. I have food, clothing, shelter, and a way to get from place to place.

I am going to focus on the fact that my health is good. I don't have to go to the doctor several times a week like in years past.

I am going to focus on the fact that I am more mobile. I am able to move around more and sit up for longer periods of time.

I am going to focus on the fact that my mind is sharp. I am able to research things and help other people in the process.

I am going to filter out the negative thoughts. The thoughts that say, "Well, maybe I should have done this. Why did I do that? Why did I say that? What if this happens?"

There is such a thing as getting in your own way, and I have been doing JUST that. Those thoughts have been flooding my mind, bringing confusion and sadness. I thought that God was unhappy with me. I should have prayed more. Maybe the words of my mouth have hindered my faith!

During these times, I would ask Mama questions. So many questions. Sometimes the same ones. She said, "It's okay to ask questions, but when you start obsessing over things, it's not good. You don't have to do that. Just shake those thoughts and move on."

Boy, did I want to move on! I was tired of feeling like this. I was tired of my brain being in overdrive. I saw myself like a hamster on a wheel just going around and around. I didn't want to stay on that wheel. I wanted off, pronto!

Mama reminded me each time I said something about God being unhappy with me that it simply wasn't true. She pointed out that I had been saying, "I should... I wish... I'm not doing enough...."

Who is the subject of that sentence? I am. "You are still thinking that YOU can do this," Mama said.

That's right! I can't do this. I have to have God's help! I've got it now. I have been unhappy with myself. During prayer time, God told me, "You need to forgive yourself, Madison." Man, that is hard to do. I know myself. I know my weaknesses.

But, get this! SO does God. And He has already forgiven me. I had laid some cares and worries on the altar a few weeks ago, only to get focused on something else. I was focusing on my shortcomings. I was focusing on the lies of the enemy. Every time I would talk about my physical pain, the devil said, "See, you've made a negative confession! You have nullified all of the Scriptures you have said." All the while, my faith was being strangled and I did not even realize it!

I couldn't see what was happening because my mind was a mess. Yes, I was reading the Bible and confessing who I am in Christ and what God has done for me. It wasn't until I repented for worrying and trying to carry the cares of this life that I became free. I wasn't depressed anymore, and my mind was clear again.

Yes, I will mess up again and again. But what I have to realize is that God is greater than all of my messes. I can trust Him to heal my mind just like my body. If you have been like me, in a seemingly endless cycle of confusion, fear, and sadness, ask God to forgive you for trying to do things your way. And be assured that He who has begun a good work in you WILL complete it!