Yesterday I started a month long blog series, 31 Days reading Sirach. I am so excited for this series for a couple of reasons. First, my Bible and the fear of the Lord…enough said? I am excited to publicly commit to read my Bible for 31 days consistently. I did this recently with the Book of Philippians and even though life around here has been a mess, knowing I had some accountability here, kept me in the Word.
Second, I think the book of Sirach is a gold mine few have discovered, much less dug deep into. I relate the book of Sirach to the story of Cinderella. A hidden gem kind of kept locked up and hidden. Once revealed, my oh my it sparkles. It’s beauty could almost surpass the more well known book of Proverbs, yet it’s simple thoughts and words of humility, keep it from doing so.
And third, it is so easy to slip back into listening to the charming, yet deceitful words of the world. I need some good solid reminders of how God sees me, wants me to think and behave and His constant presence as a day in–day out part of my life.
Remember how we considering The Laws of Emotional Strength? Well, the second part of this verse tells us not to approach God with a divided mind. St James touches on this thought as well, James 1:8…“for the doubter, being double-minded and unstable in every way, must not expect to receive anything from the Lord.” We cannot expect to live joy filled lives with negative minds. We can’t go to God seeking joy and peace if our minds are full of anger and strife.
The Third Law of Emotional Strength, according to Tommy Newberry in The 4:8 Principle: The Secret to a Joy-Filled Life, is “The Law of Reversibility.” According to this law, we have a God given ability to produce feelings as a result of deliberate behavior. Ever heard the old saying, “Fake it till you make it?”
We may not feel joyful, but we can act joyful and don’t tell me we can’t. How many times have we been grouchy to those around us and sweet as tea to an unexpected visit or phone call from someone we deemed too important to see our bad side?
We need to purpose to stop being grouchy and start being grateful…someone, somewhere always has it worse. We need to stop complaining to God and start considering His mercy.
Do not go to Him griping and expect Him to magically give you a shot of goodness. Do not approach Him with a mind full of negativity and expect Him to fill you up with niceness.
We have to do our part; ask for what we need and want. Thank Him for it and act like we have it even if we don’t see or feel it yet. Remember, physiologically we have the ability to change our moods and emotions by changing our thought patterns. This has been scientifically proven.
This post Day 2 in a 31 Day Series of Posts on the Book of Sirach. Here’s Day 1.
Angela Pea says
We may not feel joyful, but we can act joyful and don’t tell me we can’t.
HA!! Fake It Until It’s Real!!! Yep. I guarantee it works.
Jenny says
That’s right. Tommy Newberry suggests for those who think they can’t “lie” about their feelings…could it be possible the “lie” is giving into the negative feelings and acting on them? Great point I thought.
Sarah Damm says
Wonderful thoughts, Jenny! Being intentional and making the choice to choose how to act and what to say.
Gosh, I haven’t been here in awhile! You have changed things around here, I think?! I like your space.
Jenny says
Hi Sarah. I have changed things around. I stepped away from formal blogging and scrapped all the old posts…ayiyi! I do not recommend that. Realized I wanted and needed to continue blogging so I’m back with a new look and clearer focus.
Jessica says
that’s a great quote that you pulled from your readings…it certainly pricks my conscience with the divided mind.
Im also trying to be more focused with the blogging, I really like what you have done. I just can quit blogging either.
Jenny says
Jessica, I would love to visit more with you about your focus on blogging. Maybe email?
Barbara says
I love this! Being joyful is a choice. I can choose to see the down side of things or I can look for God in it and be joyful.
Starla J @ Pressing In and Pressing On says
God is so good. He has us!!
Jenny says
All the time! Loved your post on Who has us.
Jennifer says
Great post!! I have to remind myself that I’m the one choosing to be grouchy at times! God is merciful and he helps me along the way!!
Lysha @ Magnolia Mom says
Yes, keep your eyes on the Lord through it all. Amen!
Jenny says
Hi Lysha. Simple enough, but not always easy!
Theresa says
I think I may join you. How are you reading it as far as splitting the chapters?
In my prayers,
Theresa
Jenny says
I’m just reading until I find something to pause and consider. Then I pick back up where I left off next time I read my Bible.