Doubt sets in quickly. After a long run of success, a single setback causes me to doubt if I will ever feel the way I did again. That doubtfulness always leads to feelings of anxiety. It’s crazy how easy it is to deceive myself. These moments remind me of Jeremiah 17.
9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? 10 “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”
Jeremiah 17:9-10
I must remind myself that I do not answer to my heart, as it is not rational but reactionary. My mind controls my heart. If I allow my heart to backflow into my mind and take control, I will lose control. When I can step out of the situation and look at myself from the outside, I can also see that I lack thankfulness.
Whether or not you believe what the Bible says, the phrase “the heart wants what the heart wants” is universal. But, unfortunately, those unable to keep their heart in check find themselves down some dark and troublesome roads.
The statement, “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds,” to me means that I need to ensure I am leading myself correctly. If the fruit of my deeds is out of alignment, so is my heart, and the results are problematic. But, on the other hand, if the fruit of my deeds aligns with what I desire for my life, my heart and mind must also be in alignment. How could they not be?
Thankfulness is a great way to keep everything aligned. You can’t be thankful and anxious at the same time.
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
My prayer is to never lack thankfulness. Even in dark moments, there is something to be thankful for.