When our thoughts begin to wander the path of “what if…” and “if only…” in a situation, it brings about discouragement, discontent, despair and doubt. It causes us to doubt God’s love and power in our lives. When the “what ifs” and “if onlys” assail your thoughts and threaten to strike fear and steal your joy and peace, remind yourself of the truths of God’s Word — who He is and what He has done for you! Rest secure in His presence.
What then are we to say about these things?
If God is for us, who is against us?
He did not even spare His own Son
but offered Him up for us all;
how will He not also with Him grant us everything?
Who can bring an accusation against God’s elect?
God is the One who justifies.
Who is the one who condemns?
Christ Jesus is the One who died,
but even more, has been raised;
He also is at the right hand of God
and intercedes for us.
Who can separate us from the love of Christ?
Can affliction or anguish or persecution
or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?…
No, in all these things we are more than victorious
through Him who loved us.
For I am persuaded that not even death or life,
angels or rulers,
things present or things to come, hostile powers,
height or depth, or any other created thing
will have the power to separate us
from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!
—Romans 8:31-39
In the midst of life’s battles, don’t rehearse, replay and analyze the “what ifs” & “if onlys”. Rehearse God’s character, faithfulness and the truth of His Word.
When you’re in a difficult circumstance and you find the “what if… and “if only…” questions flooding your thoughts, stop and remind yourself, “He Is__________!” Pause to consider who God is—His character [attributes] and ways—and find a passage of Scripture that speaks of that attribute or name of God. Reframe your thinking in that moment by reminding yourself He IS!
Rejoicing in Him!
©2010 Susan Cady, susancady.com
